Collection and methods for its use

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure enables methods of identifying the VH and VL class pairs in the human immune repertoire, determining the VH and VL class pairs that are most prevalent and those having favorable biophysical properties. More specifically, the collections of the present disclosure comprise the most prevalent and/or preferred VH and VL class pairings with highly diversified CDRs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/321,564 filed on Nov. 11, 2011, which is a national stage entry of PCT/EP2010/057507 filed on May 29, 2010 and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/299,401 filed Jan. 29, 2010, and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/182,350 filed May 29, 2009, which are all incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Advances in pharmaceutical development, especially in the field of therapeutic antibodies, are rapidly enabling and/or improving the treatment of many diseases. These advances by reaching novel target spaces and providing novel mechanisms of action are increasingly improving the quality of lives of patients even with the most severe and challenging diseases. One challenge for the health care system in general and patients in particular is that the costs of new drugs, enabled by of these pharmaceutical advances, are also rapidly increasing. The high costs are a result of the investments required for the development of pharmaceuticals, especially of antibodies, which currently exceed one billion dollars per marketed product. The high risk of failure in development and very long developmental timelines make these investments inevitable. It may take over fifteen years from the time of identification of a potential therapeutic antibody until it reaches the market and can benefit patients. Each stage of development, from identification, pre-clinical, clinical to market entry is riddled with challenges and risks. Pharmaceutical companies are constantly assessing to determine how to reduce developmental costs by reducing timelines and risks of failure in order to get the most effective medicines into the hands of patients quickly and in order to make them affordable.

The following disclosure provides a valuable advance which allows for faster identification of the optimal therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of arguably any disease. Therapeutic antibody candidates must fulfill a number of development criteria in order to make it to the market, such as, long term stability and high expression yields. The disclosed advance increases the probability and speed of identifying an antibody that can fulfill all of the rigorous development criteria right from the start. The resultant antibody will be less expensive to produce and will be effective and safe in the treatment of numerous diseases.

A well known method of identifying therapeutic antibodies is through the use of phage display technology. Phage display utilizes virus-like particles that are grown in bacteria to display antibodies. One benefit of this technology is that the libraries used are massive, with up to 1×10¹⁰ antibodies, which can quickly be tested for binding to any target relevant for any disease. See, for example, Knappik et al., (2000), “Fully synthetic human combinatorial antibody libraries (HuCAL) based on modular consensus frameworks and CDRs randomized with trinucleotides,” J. Mol. Biol. 11; 296(1):57-86. The benefit of working with such large numbers is that the output of a screening against a target may result in hundreds of antibodies that bind to the therapeutic target, all of which could be therapeutically relevant. A problem, though, is that often only a few of these antibodies are developable, meaning that they can meet all of the rigorous criteria required in order to make it to the market.

In order for a new phage display library to rapidly shorten the identification timelines and reduce the inherent risks, the library should comprise antibodies having the properties which are necessary for selection and clinical development and which will result in safe and effective treatment in patients. Such properties include: 1) high phage display rates, so that each and every antibody of the collection can be tested against the target of interest; 2) high expression levels, so that the antibody or fragment can be reproduced efficiently; 3) high thermal stability, so that the antibody can reach patients in an effective form; 4) high stability in serum, so that the antibody can survive within the body for a therapeutically relevant time; 5) low risk of immunogenicity, thereby increasing safety, and 5) high diversity, so that one library can be used to identify antibodies against any therapeutic target.

A library, which in essential ways imitates the human immune system, should be highly valuable, or even the optimal solution. The human immune system is composed of antibodies encoded by germline genes. Antibodies, in part, comprise of a variable heavy chain and variable light chains. There are approximately 50 variable heavy chain germline genes and approximately 50 variable light chain germline genes, combined providing about 2,500 combinations of different variable heavy and light chain pairs. In humans, all 2500 of these combinations are believed to be produced. It has been found, though, that certain variable heavy chains, variable light chains and/or variable heavy and light chain combinations (pairs) are expressed at a higher level than others. It was hypothesized that there must be some reason that some are expressed more than others, and if so, that the highly expressed germline genes may have favorable functional properties. Therefore, one way of providing a library of antibodies having favorable functional properties is to generate a library comprising the abundant variable heavy chain, variable light chain, and/or variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline pairs from the human immune repertoire.

In addition, the germline gene sequences present in humans are thought to have very low immunogenicity, for obvious reasons, therefore these sequences can be imitated in recombinant antibodies in order to lower the risk of immunogenicity.

Approaches to evaluate the variable heavy and light chain germline gene pairings prevalent in the human immune repertoire have been undertaken. See de Wildt et al., Analysis of heavy and light chain pairings indicates that receptor editing shapes the human antibody repertoire, J Mol. Biol. 22; 285(3):895-901 (January 1999), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Wildt et al. took blood samples from human donors, sorted the IgG+ B cells, which had undergone somatic hypermutation, PCR amplified the cDNAs, sequenced each cDNA, and aligned each sequence to the known human variable domain germline genes. Wildt et al. observed that only a few germline genes dominated the immune repertoire and that the frequently expressed heavy and light chain gene segments are often paired.

Attempts at maintaining the heavy and light chain variable domain pairings of individual B cells have also been undertaken. For example, libraries of variable domain “cognate pairs” have been disclosed. See Meijer et al., Isolation of human antibody repertoires with preservation of the natural heavy and light chain pairing, J Mol. Biol., 358(3):764-72 (May 5, 2006); and WO2005042774. Libraries according to the techniques described in Meijer et al. have been generated from individual B cells from an immunized host. Generally, the B cells are sorted, by FACS so that CD38^(HI) B cells, which represent somatically hypermutated cells, are selected, their cDNAs are PCR amplified, and the antibody gene products are inserted into Fab vectors for selection. Such cognate pair libraries are not without their limitations. For example, the hosts providing the B cells typically are immunized; and the B cell populations sorted have been hypermutated, therefore, the resulting libraries are biased towards a particular immunogen.

Additionally, attempts at utilizing prominent variable heavy chain or variable light chains for library generation have been undertaken. For example, in Shi et al., “De Novo Selection of High-Affinity Antibodies from Synthetic Fab Libraries Displayed on Phage as plX Fusion Proteins; J Mol. Biol., 397(2):385-96 (Mar. 26, 2010) (which is not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention), and the respective patent application WO2009085462; and WO2006014498, variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline protein sequences were incorporated into libraries based upon their frequency of use in the human immune repertoire.

Additional attempts have also been undertaken, which incorporate a specific germline pair into a library. For example, WO1999020749 describes a library where its members comprise heavy chains having the canonical structure of a hypervariable loop encoded by the human germline heavy chain gene segment DP-47 (IGHV3-23) and/or framework regions encoded by the germline gene, and/or light chains having the canonical structure of a hypervariable loop encoded by the human germline light chain gene segment O2/O12 (IGKV1-39/1D-39) and/or framework regions encoded by the germline gene.

Additional approaches have generated libraries directly from or derived from B cells. For example, Glanville et al., Precise Determination of the Diversity of a Combinatorial Antibody Library Gives Insight into the Human Immunoglobulin Repertoire, Proc Natl Acad Sci 1; 106(48):20216-21 (December 2009) (which is not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention), which describes an antibody library built from the diversity of 654 human donor Immunoglobulin M (IgM) repertoires. Specifically, the heavy and light chain V-gene cDNAs from 654 human donors were separately PCR amplified (separating the variable heavy and light chain pair) and the heavy and light chain domains were then randomly re-associated. WO2003052416 describes the isolation of B cells from a host exhibiting a pronounced response to a pathogen of interest, resulting from either an infection by a micro-organism or treatment with a vaccine. In WO2003052416, the cDNA encoding the CDR3 region of the variable regions was sequenced and antibody fragments comprising the dominant CDR3s were designed. WO2009100896 describes the isolation of B cells from an immunized host, where the cDNAs encoding the variable heavy and light chain regions were sequenced and the abundance of the unparied variable heavy and variable light chain sequences was determined. In WO2009100896 (which is not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention), libraries were synthesized comprising the randomly recombined variable heavy and variable light chains, wherein the antibodies were specific for one immunogen. A summary of these and additional approaches is found in Fuh et al., Synthetic antibodies as therapeutics, Expert Opin Biol Ther., 7(1):73-87 (January 2007).

There is, therefore, a high need for a collection of antibodies or fragments thereof that incorporate the variable heavy and variable light germline gene pairs expressed in the human immune repertoire that have favorable biophysical properties, which lead to readily developable antibodies that are safe and effective in patients. These and other needs are satisfied by the present invention.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a valuable solution to the problem of efficiently identifying antibodies against any target that are developable and safe and effective in patients. In its most general sense, the inventors began with the idea that an antibody library that imitates the human immune system in essential ways may be advantageous. On one level, the inventors decided to imitate the human immune system by incorporating the optimal germline gene sequences from the human immune repertoire into antibodies. As such, in some embodiments, the antibodies of the library comprise portions, for example, framework regions, that are germline in sequence. Using the germline sequences should dramatically decrease the risk of immunogenicity of recombinant antibodies for therapeutic use in patients.

In addition, the inventors worked from their hypothesis that the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs abundant in the human immune repertoire likely have favorable biophysical properties that would lead to more efficient clinical development and increase the safety and efficacy of the resulting antibodies in patients. As background, each B cell encodes one antibody, and each antibody comprises a variable heavy chain and variable light chain. Each of the variable heavy chain and variable light chains of an antibody can be aligned with germline sequences in order to determine the origin of the antibody, meaning from which germline gene the variable heavy chain and variable light chain are encoded. Therefore, for each antibody the variable heavy chain and variable light chain comprise a germline pair, for example, VH3-23 paired with VK1-5.

In order to prove the hypothesis that the prominent germline gene pairs likely have favorable biophysical properties, the first step was to identify the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs present in the human immune repertoire. This was done by extensively searching publically available literature and by sampling B cells from a human host. As a next step, the raw data was pooled, analyzed and the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline pairs present in the human immune repertoire were ranked in terms of their incidence. From this data it was clear that certain variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs were present more frequently than others in the human immune repertoire.

Additionally the inventors thought that certain variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs may be differentially expressed in naïve B cells (antigen inexperienced) versus antigen experienced B cells, therefore, the pooled data was analyzed based on the development or differentiation of the sampled B cells. From our analysis it is clear that certain germline gene pairs are differentially expressed in naïve B cell populations versus in antigen experienced B cells populations.

As a next step, it had to be determined which germline protein pairs were to be tested, as there are ˜2500 pairs in the human immune repertoire. One way would be to test the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pairs that occur most prominently in the human immune repertoire, for example see Table 18. One could, for example, select the top four hundred pairs for testing, or select the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs expressed above a certain threshold concentration. This approach would require the synthesis and testing of a large number of variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pair sequences; therefore, such an approach may not be very efficient.

As an alternative approach, the inventors selected a subset of the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline pairs that are representative of, accurately reproduce, or cover the majority of the prominently expressed pairs from the human immune repertoire. This approach was based, in part, upon the observation that a small number of variable heavy, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline genes are dominant in the human immune repertoire. Wildt et al. at 895-896 describes this phenomenon. Wildt et al. also states that the frequently expressed heavy and light chain gene segments are often paired, and observed that half of the pairings sampled correspond to only five germline pairs. Therefore, a small number of the prominently expressed heavy and light chain germline genes (unpaired) can be combined to generate a group of pairs that are representative of the human immune repertoire.

This approach was undertaken in the following way. The pooled data and additional data (identifying only VH or VL expression, not linked pairs) was analyzed to determine the variable heavy chain, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline gene expression in the human immune repertoire. As a next step the prominently expressed variable heavy chain, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline protein sequences (not pairs) were evaluated to determine their biophysical properties relevant to development. The variable heavy chain, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline protein sequences were evaluated in silico for the following properties: (i) CDR length, (ii) isoelectric point (pl) (the preferred isoelectric point is 8 or above as this is should provide stability in a neutral formulation buffer), (iii) post translational modifications (PTM's) (specifically, N-linked glycosylation sites (N×S or N×T) or chemical modifications such as Asp cleavage (often at a DP), (iv) Asp isomerization (DD, DG), (v) deamidation (NS, NG) which can occur in vivo (in serum) or upon storage in formulation buffer and lead to loss of antibody binding), (vi) the presence of Methionines in the CDRs (can be oxidized when exposed to solvent), (vii) the presence of unpaired Cysteines (will form disulfide bonds with any other unpaired cysteine, thus leading to crosslinking of proteins and/or lower expression levels), (viii) deviations from germline, (ix) the presence of possible T-cell epitopes, and (x) theoretical aggregation propensity.

As a next step the variable heavy chain, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline pairs having favorable biophysical characteristics were combined to form variable heavy chain and variable light chain pairs. This subset of pairs is representative of, accurately reproduce, or cover the majority of the prominently expressed pairs from the human immune repertoire as shown in Table 23. This was done by synthesizing the variable heavy and light chain germline genes, combining them into pairs, expressing the pairs as protein and testing each to identify their biophysical properties. The following properties were tested: (i) relative display rate on phage in the Fab format, (ii) relative expression level in the Fab format, e.g., in E. coli; (iii) thermal stability in the Fab format; (iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in the Fab format; (v) relative expression level in the IgG format; (vi) stability in bovine serum in the IgG format.

Once the germline protein pairs having favorable biophysical properties were identified, then collections were designed to include these pairs. An aspect of the present disclosure is a collection of antibodies or functional fragments comprising the variable heavy and light chain germline gene pairs having advantageous properties that enhance developability, but excluding variable heavy and light chain germline gene pairs not having such properties, even if they are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire. In this way, the collection was designed to exclude the variable heavy and light chain combinations or pairs that occur in nature (out of the 2,500 pairs) which fail to have advantageous functional properties. For example, VH4-34 is frequently occurring in the human immune repertoire as shown in Table 20, but it is also known that antibodies derived from this heavy chain germline gene are B cell cytotoxic, therefore, antibodies derived from this gene could be excluded from a library design. See Bhat et al., Rapid cytotoxicity of human B lymphocytes induced by VH4-34 (VH4.21) gene-encoded monoclonal antibodies, Clin Exp Immunol., 105(1):183-90 (July 1996).

In some embodiments, the present collections include antibodies comprising a large number of functionally advantageous variable heavy and light chain combinations or pairs, so that the antibodies of the collections are quite diverse, thus providing a collection that can be used to identify antibodies against any therapeutic target.

Such collections overcome many of the problems of the prior art. For example, a cognate library derived from B cells does not incorporate this concept, as the VH and VL class pairings present in such a library are identical to the class pairings present in the sample of B cells. If a large enough sample of B cells is taken, each of the approximately 50 VH and 50 VL class pairing combinations (2500) will be present. The extensive testing of VH and VL pairs in the present disclosure shows that many of the VH and VL germline gene pairs fail to have properties that would allow for the developability in the clinic. Therefore, such cognate libraries comprise many VH and VL pairs that are likely not developable. Therefore, it may be desirable to generate libraries of large diversity comprising only the VH and VL class pairs having advantageous functional properties, but with a cognate library approach, this is not possible.

In addition, in some embodiments, the germline gene pairs comprised in the collection are based on samples of naïve or antigen inexperienced B cells, therefore, the germline gene pairs represented are not biased towards a particular immunogen and the collections may be superior in screening against any immunogen.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the results of an Anti-Fd expression ELISA after periplasmic extraction of an antibody with the VH3-23 heavy chain (upper panel) and the VH1-69 heavy chain (lower panel), each antibody carrying one of the three modified phoA signal sequences comprising the C-terminal restriction sites AflII (VLS), NheI (VLA), and AvrII (VLG) as compared to the wildtype (TKA) signal sequence. In the VH3-23 group, all the modified phoA signal sequences maintained expression levels in the range of wildtype (TKA).

FIG. 2 shows the results of an Anti-Fd expression ELISA after periplasmic extraction of an antibody with the VK1-39 light chain (left upper panel), VK3-11 light chain (right upper panel), VL1-40 light chain (left lower panel) and VL3-1 light chain (right lower panel), each antibody carrying one of the three modified ompA signal sequences comprising the C-terminal restriction sites NdeI (AYG), NdeI (AYA) and BsiWI (TYA) as compared to the wildtype (AQA) signal sequence. The modified ompA signal sequences comprising the C-terminal restriction sites and wildtype signal sequence were tested using both Vκ and Vλ Fab fragments. The signal sequence including NdeI (AYA) shows consistently as good as or better expression than wildtype (AQA).

FIG. 3 shows the restriction sites selected for incorporation into the C-terminus of the phoA and ompA E. coli signal sequences, as described in detail in Examples 1-1.3, and includes the signal sequences around CDR 3 and their respective orientations. This figure, while displaying the E. coli signal sequences, also represents the C-terminal restriction sites selected for incorporation in the human heavy chain and kappa chain leader sequences for use in IgG expression, as described in detail in Example 1.5.

FIGS. 4-9 show the VH/VL germline gene pairs of B cells isolated and described in Tsuiji M. et al. (2006).

FIGS. 10-12 show the VH/VL germline gene pairs of the B cells isolated and described in Tiller T. et al. (2007).

FIGS. 13-17 show the VH/VL germline gene pairs of the B cells isolated in and described Mietzner B. et al. (2008).

FIGS. 18-20 show the VH/VL germline gene pairs of the B cells isolated and described in Wardemann H. et al. (2003).

FIGS. 21-23 show the VH/VL germline gene pairs of the B cells isolated and described in Yurasov S. et al. (2005).

FIGS. 24-26 show the VH/VL germline gene pairs of the B cells isolated and described in Yurasov S. et al. (2006).

FIG. 27 shows the PCR strategy used for amplifying the cDNAs of the single sorted mature naïve (mn) B cells and antibody secreting cells (asc) isolated from a human host, as described in detail in Example 2.2.

FIGS. 28-36 show the VH/VL pairs of the B cells isolated from a human sample as described in detail in Example 2.2.

FIG. 37 shows the 20 VH germline genes selected for synthesis, combination and functional characterization, as described in detail in Examples 4-4.1. The figure also shows the results of the in silico analysis of each germline gene, where pl represents isolelectric point, PTMs are post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions, as described herein, N×S/T are N-linked glycosylation sites, and Met in CDR are methionines.

FIG. 38 shows the 8 Vλ and 12 Vκ germline genes selected for synthesis, combination and functional characterization, as described in detail in Examples 4-4.1. The figure also shows the results of the in silico analysis of each germline gene, where pl represents isolelectric point, PTMs are post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions, as described herein, N×S/T are N-linked glycosylation sites, and Met in CDR are methionines.

FIG. 39 shows the VH/Vκ pairs of the pooled data from Examples 2.1 shown in FIGS. 4-26 and Example 2.2 shown in FIGS. 28-36. The numerical entries represent the number of each VH/Vκ germline gene pair from an individual B cell identified in the pooled data. The Y axis shows the VH germline genes ranked from top (VH3-23) to bottom (VH3-20) in terms of frequency of expression in the pooled data. The X axis shows the Vκ germline genes ranked from left (IGKV3-20) to right (IGKV1D-17) in terms of frequency of expression in the pooled data. The number 1358 is the number of B cells sampled.

FIG. 40 shows the VH/Vλ pairs of the pooled data from Examples 2.1 shown in FIGS. 4-26 and Example 2.2 shown in FIGS. 28-36. The numerical entries represent the number of each VH/Vλ germline gene pair from an individual B cell identified in the pooled data. The Y axis shows the VH germline genes ranked from top (VH3-23) to bottom (VH3-20) in terms of frequency of expression in the pooled data. The X axis shows the Vλ germline genes ranked from left (IGLV2-14) to right (IGLV4-60) in terms of frequency of expression in the pooled data. The number 779 is the number of B cells sampled.

FIG. 41 shows the VH/Vκ pairs of the pooled data from Examples 2.1 shown in FIGS. 4-26 and Example 2.2 shown in FIGS. 28-36, but including only the antigen inexperienced B cells populations of immature B cells, new emigrant B cells, and mature naïve B cells in order to identify the VH/Vκ pairs prominent in the naïve human immune repertoire. The numerical entries represent the number of each VH/VL germline gene pair from an individual B cell identified in the pooled data. The Y axis shows the VH germline genes ranked from top (VH3-23) to bottom (VH3-20) in terms of frequency of expression in the pooled data. The X axis shows the Vκ germline genes ranked from left (IGKV3-20) to right (IGKV1D-17) in terms of frequency of expression in the pooled data. The number 888 is the number of B cells sampled.

FIG. 42 shows the VH/Vλ pairs of the pooled data from Examples 2.1 shown in FIGS. 4-26 and Example 2.2 shown in FIGS. 28-36, but including only the antigen inexperienced B cells populations of immature B cells, new emigrant B cells, and mature naïve B cells in order to identify the VH/Vλ pairs prominent in the naïve human immune repertoire. The numerical entries represent the number of each VH/Vλ germline gene pair from an individual B cell identified in the pooled data. The Y axis shows the VH germline genes ranked from top (VH3-23) to bottom (VH3-20) in terms of frequency of expression in the pooled data. The X axis shows the Vλ germline genes ranked from left (IGLV2-14) to right (IGLV4-60) in terms of frequency of expression in the pooled data. The number 457 is the number of B cells sampled.

FIG. 43 shows the VH/Vκ pairs of the pooled data from Examples 2.1 shown in FIGS. 4-26 and Example 2.2 shown in FIGS. 28-36, but including only the antigen experienced B cells populations of IgG antibody secreting cells, and IgM and IgG memory B cells. The numerical entries represent the number of each VH/Vκ germline gene pair from an individual B cell identified in the pooled data. The Y axis shows the VH germline genes ranked from top (VH3-23) to bottom (VH3-20) in terms of frequency of expression in the pooled data. The X axis shows the Vκ germline genes ranked from left (IGKV3-20) to right (IGKV1D-17) in terms of frequency of expression in the pooled data. The number 470 is the number of B cells sampled.

FIG. 44 shows the VH/Vλ pairs of the pooled data from Examples 2.1 shown in FIGS. 4-26 and Example 2.2 shown in FIGS. 28-36, but including only the antigen experienced B cells populations of IgG antibody secreting cells, and IgM and IgG memory B cells. The numerical entries represent the number of each VH/Vλ germline gene pair from an individual B cell identified in the pooled data. The Y axis shows the VH germline genes ranked from top (VH3-23) to bottom (VH3-20) in terms of frequency of expression in the pooled data. The X axis shows the Vλ germline genes ranked from left (IGLV2-14) to right (IGLV4-60) in terms of frequency of expression in the pooled data. The number 322 is the number of B cells sampled.

FIGS. 45A-C show the amino acid sequences encoded by the VH germline genes, as described in Tomlinson et al., (1992), “The Repertoire of Human Germline Vh Sequences Reveals about Fifty Groups of Vh Segments with Different Hypervariable Loop” J. Mol. Biol. 227, 776-798; Matsuda et al. (1998), “The complete nucleotide sequence of the human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region locus” J Exp Med 188(11):2151-62; and LeFranc M P (2001) “Nomenclature of the human immunoglobulin heavy (IGH) genes.” Exp Clin Immunogenet. 18(2):100-16. FIG. 45A discloses SEQ ID NOS 62-78, respectively, in order of appearance. FIG. 45B discloses SEQ ID NOS 79-100, respectively, in order of appearance. FIG. 45C discloses SEQ ID NOS 101-117, respectively, in order of appearance.

FIGS. 46A-C show the amino acid sequences encoded by the VK germline genes, as described in Schable and Zachau (1993), “The variable genes of the human immunoglobulin kappa locus,” Biol. Chem. Hoppe Seyler. 374(11):1001-22; Brensing-Kuppers et al. (1997), “The human immunoglobulin kappa locus on yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs)” Gene. 191(2):173-81; Kawasaki et al. (2001), “Evolutionary dynamics of the human immunoglobulin kappa locus and the germline repertoire of the Vkappa genes” Eur J Immunol 31(4):1017-28; and Lefranc M P (2001) “Nomenclature of the human immunoglobulin kappa (IGK) genes” Exp Clin Immunogenet., 18, 161-174. FIG. 46A discloses SEQ ID NOS 118-136, respectively, in order of appearance. FIG. 46B discloses SEQ ID NOS 137-153, respectively, in order of appearance. FIG. 46C discloses SEQ ID NOS 154-163, respectively, in order of appearance.

FIGS. 47A-B show the amino acid sequences encoded by the VA germline genes, as described in Kawasaki et al., (1997) “One-Megabase Sequence Analysis of the Human immunoglobulin lambda Gene Locus” Genome Research 7(3):250-61; Frippiat et al., (1995) “Organization of the human immunoglobulin lambda light-chain locus on chromosome 22q11.2” Hum. Mol. Genet., 4, 983-991; and LeFranc M P (2001) “Nomenclature of the human immunoglobulin lambda (IGL) genes. Exp Clin Immunogenet.; 18:242-254. FIG. 47A discloses SEQ ID NOS 164-185, respectively, in order of appearance. FIG. 47B discloses SEQ ID NOS 186-201, respectively, in order of appearance.

FIG. 48 shows the pJPd1 tricistronic phage display vector.

FIG. 49 shows the pJPx1 Fab expression vector. FIG. 49 disclosed ‘His6’ as SEQ ID NO:202.

FIG. 50 shows the pMx11 (pMORPHX11) Fab expression vector. FIG. 50 discloses ‘His6’ as SEQ ID NO:202.

FIG. 51 shows the pMORPH30 Fab display vector.

FIG. 52 shows the pJP_h_IgG1f variable heavy chain IgG expression vector.

FIG. 53 shows the pJP_h_Ig_kappa variable κ light chain IgG expression vector.

FIG. 54 shows the pJP_h_Ig_lambda2 variable λ light chain IgG expression vector.

FIG. 55 shows the relative Fab display rates for the 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs tested. Higher numbers indicate higher display levels.

FIG. 56 shows the relative Fab expression levels for the 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs tested. Higher numbers indicate higher Fab expression levels.

FIG. 57 shows the temperature stability data of the 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs tested in Fab format. The numbers 60 and 70 indicate VH/VL pairs which are stable for 45 min at 60 or 70° C. in the tested set-up. The number 4 indicates temperature-instable pairs and bg indicates low expression levels.

FIG. 58 shows the stability data in bovine serum of the 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs tested in Fab format. S stands for stable and U for unstable at the tested conditions.

FIG. 59 shows the stability data in mouse serum of the 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs tested in Fab format. S stands for stable and U for unstable at the tested conditions.

FIG. 60 shows the relative IgG expression rates for the 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs tested. Higher numbers indicate higher IgG1 expression levels.

FIG. 61 shows the serum stability data of the 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs tested in IgG format. S stands for stable and U for unstable at the tested conditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

To facilitate understanding of the invention, the following definitions and illustrations are provided.

GENERAL TERMS

The terms “about” or “approximately” in the context of numerical values and ranges refers to values or ranges that approximate or are close to the recited values or ranges such that the invention can perform as intended, such as having a desired number or percentage of sequence homology, as is apparent to the skilled person from the teachings contained herein. This is due, at least in part, to the varying culture conditions and the variability of biological systems. Thus, these terms encompass values beyond those resulting from systematic error. These terms make explicit what is implicit. Typically, “about” encompasses ±10% of the stated value. The term “about” can be used to describe a range, therefore.

All ranges set forth herein in the summary and description of the invention include all numbers or values thereabout or there between of the numbers of the range. The ranges of the invention expressly denominate and set forth all integers, decimals and fractional values in the range.

The term “subject” includes human and non-human animals. Non-human animals include all vertebrates, e.g., mammals and non-mammals, such as non-human primates, sheep, dog, cow, chickens, amphibians, and reptiles. Except when noted, the terms “patient” or “subject” are used herein interchangeably.

The term “treating” includes the administration of compositions or antibodies to prevent or delay the onset of the symptoms, complications, or biochemical indicia of a disease, alleviating the symptoms or arresting or inhibiting further development of the disease, condition, or disorder. Treating therefore encompasses, but is not limited to “cure.” Treatment may be prophylactic (to prevent or delay the onset of the disease, or to prevent or slow the manifestation of clinical or subclinical symptoms thereof) or therapeutic suppression or alleviation of symptoms after the manifestation of the disease.

“Database or readable medium” as used herein, refers to any format for storing sequence data and thus any collection of information, such as a database file, a lookup table, an Excel spreadsheet or the like. In certain embodiments the database is stored in electronic form, such as a computer readable memory device. This includes media such as a server, a client, a hard disk, a CD, a DVD, a personal digital assistant such as a Palm Pilot, a tape, a zip disk, the computer's internal ROM (read-only-memory) or the internet or worldwide web. Other media for the storage of files accessible by a computer will be obvious to one skilled in the art.

“In silico” refers to manipulations, analysis, and designs performed on a computer, but may also be likewise performed on paper or mentally.

Antibodies and their Properties

The term “antibody” as used herein includes whole antibodies. An antibody may be polyclonal, affinity-purified polyclonal, monoclonal, fully human, murine or rodent, chimeric, camelid or humanized antibodies. An antibody may belong to any of the antibody classes, such as IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA (including human subclasses IgA1 and IgA2), IgD, IgE, IgG, or IgM. A naturally occurring “antibody” is a glycoprotein comprising at least two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains inter-connected by disulfide bonds.

The term “functional fragment thereof” as used herein includes any antigen binding fragment, such as Fab, F(ab′)2, Fab′, Fv, scFv, single chains which include an Fc portion, nanobodies and other antibody like structures having scaffolds other than variable framework regions. The term “functional fragment thereof” includes, but is not limited to any functional portion of an antibody, where function includes binding of an immunogen or effector function.

As used herein, the term “affinity” refers to the strength of interaction between antibody and antigen at antigenic sites. Within each antigenic site, the variable region of the antibody “arm” interacts through non-covalent forces with an antigen at numerous sites; the more interactions, the stronger the affinity. As used herein, the term “high affinity” for an antibody or functional fragment thereof, such as an IgG antibody, refers to an antibody having a KD of 10⁻⁸ M or less, 10⁻⁹ M or less, or 10⁻¹⁰ M or less, or 10⁻¹¹ M or less for a target antigen. However, “high affinity” binding can vary for other antibody isotypes. For example, “high affinity” binding for an IgM isotype refers to an antibody having a KD of 10⁻⁷ M or less, or 10⁻⁸ M or less.

The term “Kassoc” or “Ka”, as used herein, is intended to refer to the association rate of a particular antibody-antigen interaction, whereas the term “Kdis” or “Kd,” as used herein, is intended to refer to the dissociation rate of a particular antibody-antigen interaction. The term “KD”, as used herein, is intended to refer to the dissociation constant, which is obtained from the ratio of Kd to Ka (i.e. Kd/Ka) and is expressed as a molar concentration (M). KD values for antibodies can be determined using methods well established in the art. A method for determining the KD of an antibody is by using surface plasmon resonance, or using a biosensor system such as a Biacore® system.

The terms “cross-block”, “cross-blocked” and “cross-blocking” are used interchangeably herein to mean the ability of an antibody or other binding agent to interfere with the binding of other antibodies or binding agents to the same target in a standard competitive binding assay. The ability or extent to which an antibody or other binding agent is able to interfere with the binding of another antibody or binding molecule to the same target, and therefore whether it can be said to cross-block according to the invention, can be determined using standard competition binding assays. One suitable assay involves the use of the Biacore technology (e.g. by using the BIAcore 3000 instrument (Biacore, Uppsala, Sweden)), which can measure the extent of interactions using surface plasmon resonance technology. Another assay for measuring cross-blocking uses an ELISA-based approach.

The term “epitope” means a protein determinant capable of specific binding to an antibody. Epitopes usually consist of chemically active surface groupings of molecules such as amino acids or sugar side chains and usually have specific three dimensional structural characteristics, as well as specific charge characteristics. Conformational and non-conformational epitopes are distinguished in that the binding to the former but not the latter is lost in the presence of denaturing solvents.

The term “chimeric antibody” is an antibody molecule in which (a) the constant region, or a portion thereof, is altered, replaced or exchanged so that the antigen binding site (variable region) is linked to a constant region of a different or altered class, effector function and/or species.

The term “isotype” refers to the antibody class (e.g., IgM, IgE, IgG such as IgG1 or IgG4) that is provided by the heavy chain constant region genes. Isotype also includes modified versions of one of these classes, where modifications have been made to alter the Fc function, for example, to enhance or reduce effector functions or binding to Fc receptors.

The term “germline” means the nucleic acid sequence encoding antibodies or functional fragments thereof that are passed down from parent to offspring.

The term “germline protein sequence” means a) the amino acid sequence of a variable region of antibody or functional fragment thereof encoded by a germline gene, b) the amino acid sequence encoded by a modified nucleic acid sequence encoding a variable region of antibody or functional fragment thereof having the same amino acid sequence a variable region of an antibody or functional fragment thereof encoded by a germline gene, wherein the nucleic acid sequence is modified by, for example, codon optimization, the addition of desired restriction sites, optimized GC content, the removal of undesired splice sites or the removal of mRNA instability motifs, or c) an amino acid sequence encoded by a germline gene, but with point mutations in the amino acid sequence, such as, for the purpose of removing of an undesired cysteine, or introduction of desired restriction sites, e.g. BbsI, or that result from errors in synthesis, amplification or cloning.

The term “germline gene sequence” means a) the nucleic acid sequence of a germline gene encoding a variable region of an antibody or functional fragment thereof, or b) a modified nucleic acid sequence encoding a variable region of an antibody or functional fragment thereof having the same amino acid sequence as a variable region of an antibody encoded by a germline gene, wherein the nucleic acid sequence is modified by, for example, codon optimization, the addition of desired restriction sites, optimized GC content, the removal of undesired splice sites or the removal of mRNA instability motifs.

The term “germline gene pair(s)” means the pair of nucleic acid sequences, and their corresponding germline gene, encoding a variable heavy chain and a variable light chain of an antibody or functional fragment thereof. For example, a germline gene pair could be VH3-23/Vκ1-5, where the antibody encoded by VH3-23/Vκ1-5 comprises a variable heavy chain, or a portion thereof, encoded by germline gene VH3-23 and a variable light chain, or portion thereof, encoded by germline gene Vκ1-5.

The term “germline protein pair” means an antibody or functional fragment thereof, wherein the variable heavy chain, or portion thereof and the variable light chain, or portion thereof, a) are each encoded by a specific germline gene, or b) are each encoded by a modified nucleic acid sequence encoding a variable region of an antibody or functional fragment thereof having the same amino acid sequence as a variable region of an antibody encoded by the specific germline gene, wherein the nucleic acid sequence is modified by, for example, codon optimization, the addition of desired restriction sites, optimized GC content, the removal of undesired splice sites or the removal of mRNA instability motifs, or c) each comprise an amino acid sequence encoded by a germline gene, but with point mutations in the amino acid sequence, such as, for the purpose of removing of an undesired cysteine, or introduction of desired restriction sites, e.g. BbsI, or that result from errors in synthesis, amplification or cloning. For example, a germline protein pair could be the antibody or functional fragment encoded by VH3-23/Vκ1-5, where the antibody comprises a variable heavy chain, or a portion thereof, encoded by germline gene VH3-23 and a variable light chain, or portion thereof, encoded by germline gene Vκ1-5. A “germline protein pair” includes the constructs as prepared in Example 5, which comprise

a) for VH: leader sequence (modified phoA incorporating a NheI RE site as shown in FIG. 3); germline FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2 and FR3 (incorporating a BssHII RE site as shown in FIG. 3); CDR-H3 (WGGDGFYAMDY (SEQ ID NO:1)) of the 4D5 antibody as used in Ewert S. et al., J. Mol. Biol. (2003) 325, 531-553; and the JH4 FR4 (incorporating a XhoI/SalI RE site as shown in FIG. 3);

b) for Vk: leader sequence (ompA incorporating the NdeI RE site as shown in FIG. 3); germline FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2 and FR3 (incorporating a BbsI RE site as shown in FIG. 3), kappa-like CDR-L3 (QQHYTTPPT (SEQ ID NO:2)) according to Ewert S. et al., J. Mol. Biol. (2003) 325, 531-553; and the Jk1 FR4 (incorporating a KpnI RE site as shown in FIG. 3); and

c) for VA: leader sequence (ompA incorporating the NdeI RE site as shown in FIG. 3); germline FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2 and FR3 (incorporating a BbsI RE site as shown in FIG. 3), lambda-like CDR-L3 (QSYDSSLSGVV (SEQ ID NO:3)) according to Ewert S. et al., J. Mol. Biol. (2003) 325, 531-553; and the JI2/3 FR4 (incorporating a KpnI RE site as shown in FIG. 3).

Each of these constructs were synthesized, expressed and tested as Fab and IgG, as described in Examples 6 and 7 for the following functional properties: a) relative display after phage production and phage ELISA in Fab format; b) relative Fab expression levels after Fab production in E. coli, E. coli cell lysis and ELISA detection of produced Fab; c) temperature stability of Fab after Fab production in E. coli, E. coli cell lysis and ELISA detection of non-denatured Fab after incubation at increased temperatures; d) bovine/mouse serum stability of Fab from E. coli lysates by ELISA detection of non-denatured Fab after incubation in bovine/mouse serum; e) relative human IgG1 expression levels after IgG1 production in mammalian cells and ELISA detection of secreted IgG1 from cell culture supernatants; and f) bovine serum stability of human IgG1 by ELISA detection of non-denatured Fab after incubation in bovine/mouse serum.

The term “substantially germline protein sequence” means an amino acid sequence encoded by a germline gene, but with point mutations in the amino acid sequence, such as, for the purpose of removing of an undesired cysteine, or introduction of desired restriction sites, e.g. BbsI, or that result from errors in synthesis, amplification or cloning.

The “germline genes” are the nucleic acids of the germline genes encoding antibodies or functional fragments thereof disclosed in the following publications, for VH: Tomlinson et al., (1992), “The Repertoire of Human Germline Vh Sequences Reveals about Fifty Groups of Vh Segments with Different Hypervariable Loop” J. Mol. Biol. 227, 776-798; Matsuda et al. (1998), “The complete nucleotide sequence of the human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region locus” J Exp Med 188(11):2151-62; and LeFranc M P (2001) “Nomenclature of the human immunoglobulin heavy (IGH) genes.” Exp Clin Immunogenet. 18(2):100-16; for Vλ: Kawasaki et al., (1997) “One-Megabase Sequence Analysis of the Human immunoglobulin lambda Gene Locus” Genome Research 7(3):250-61; Frippiat et al., (1995) “Organization of the human immunoglobulin lambda light-chain locus on chromosome 22q11.2” Hum. Mol. Genet., 4, 983-991; and LeFranc M P (2001) “Nomenclature of the human immunoglobulin lambda (IGL) genes. Exp Clin Immunogenet.; 18:242-254; and for Vκ: Schäble and Zachau (1993), “The variable genes of the human immunoglobulin kappa locus,” Biol. Chem. Hoppe Seyler. 374(11):1001-22; Brensing-Küppers et al. (1997), “The human immunoglobulin kappa locus on yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs)” Gene. 191(2):173-81; Kawasaki et al. (2001), “Evolutionary dynamics of the human immunoglobulin kappa locus and the germline repertoire of the Vkappa genes” Eur J Immunol 31(4):1017-28; and Lefranc M P (2001) “Nomenclature of the human immunoglobulin kappa (IGK) genes” Exp Clin Immunogenet., 18, 161-174, which are all hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The sequences of the JH4 for variable heavy chain, Jκ1 for variable κ light chain, and Jλ2/3 for variable λ light chain regions are described within the following publications: Scaviner et al., (1999), “Protein displays of the human immunoglobulin heavy, kappa and lambda variable and joining regions” Exp Clin Immunogenet. 16(4):234-40; for JH: Ravetch et al., (1981), “Structure of the human immunoglobulin mu locus: characterization of embryonic and rearranged J and D genes.” Cell 27 (3 pt 2): 583-91; for JK: Hieter et al. (1982), “Evolution of human immunoglobulin kappa J region genes.” J Biol Chem 257(3):1516-22; for J L: Kawasaki et al., (1997) “One-Megabase Sequence Analysis of the Human immunoglobulin lambda Gene Locus” Genome Research 7(3):250-61, which are all incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. The JH4 sequence is (YFDYWGQGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO:4)); the Jκ1 sequence is (WTFGQGTKVEIK (SEQ ID NO:5)); and the Jλ2/3 sequence is (VVFGGGTKLTVL (SEQ ID NO:6)).

The term “position-dependent amino-acid usage” refers to the likelihood of occurrence of a particular amino acid sequence at a given position in a polypeptide. In the present invention, the position-dependent amino acid usage was determined for the re-arranged amino acid sequences classified by the individual germline gene. This enables the individual, precise design of the a CDR within its natural germline context.

The term “variable domain/region (VH or VL)” means the region of an immunoglobulin that comprises one or more Ig domains substantially encoded by any of the VL (including Vk and Vλ), VH, JL (including Jk and Jλ), and JH nucleic acids that make up the light chain (including K and A) and heavy chain immunoglobulin genetic loci respectively. λ light or heavy chain variable region (VL and VH) is made up of a “framework” or “FR” region interspersed by three hypervariable regions referred to as “complementarity determining regions” or “CDRs.” The extent of the framework region and CDRs have been precisely defined (see Kabat, 1991, J. Immunol., 147, 915-920.; Chothia & Lesk, 1987, J. Mol. Biol. 196: 901-917; Chothia et al., 1989, Nature 342: 877-883; Al-Lazikani et al., 1997, J. Mol. Biol. 273: 927-948). The framework regions of an antibody, that is, the combined framework regions of the constituent light and heavy chains, serves to position and align the CDRs, which are primarily responsible for binding to an antigen.

The term “framework region” means an antibody variable domain as defined by Kabat et al. (1991) as the part of the variable domain which serves as a scaffold for the antigen binding loops of this variable domain. Examples of the framework regions include FR1, FR2, FR3, and FR4 of either the variable heavy or variable light chains

The term “complementarity determining region” or “CDR” means an antibody's antigen binding loops, as defined by Kabat et al. (1991). Each of the two variable domains of an antibody Fv fragment contains three CDRs. The complementarity determining regions include CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of either the variable heavy or variable light chains

The “preferred VH and VL class pair” means those VH and VL class pairs that are preferred in an immune repertoire, for example the human immune repertoire according to a threshold set of criteria. For example, VH-VL pairs that are abundant; or have favorable biophysical properties, such as, low immunogenicity; stability; are readily displayed and/or expressed or VH-VL pairs that appear at a concentration of at least 0.05% in a sample of ˜2500 human B cells. The VH and VL class pairs preferred in the human immune repertoire may have preferred characteristics over other VH and VL class pairs.

The term “naïve” means antigen inexperienced.

The term “naive B cell” means a B cell, wherein the nucleic acids encoding the antibodies or functional fragments thereof have not undergone somatic hypermutation, therefore, are considered to comprise the nucleic acids of the germline genes, with the occurrence of V(D)J gene segment rearrangement. The populations of B-cells considered naïve are immature B cells, new emigrant B cells, and mature naïve B cells.

The term “naïve human immune repertoire” means a repertoire of the nucleic acids isolated from antigen inexperienced B cells from the immune system of a human, wherein the nucleic acids encoding the antibodies or functional fragments thereof have not undergone somatic hypermutation, therefore, are considered to comprise the nucleic acids of the germline genes, with the occurrence of V(D)J gene segment rearrangement. A repertoire may be that of an individual, or a population. The present invention is amenable to the determination of an immune repertoire from a single individual, provided sufficient B-cells are obtained. Preferably, the immune repertoire is obtained from multiple individuals to avoid sample biases.

The term “human immune repertoire” means a repertoire of the nucleic acids isolated from B cells from the immune system of a human. A repertoire may be that of an individual, or a population, and may come from naïve B cells and/or antigen experienced B cells. The present invention is amenable to the determination of an immune repertoire from a single individual, provided sufficient B-cells are obtained. Preferably, the immune repertoire is obtained from multiple individuals to avoid sample biases.

An “antigen” and “immunogen” are defined as any molecule that is bound specifically by an antibody.

The term “specific for an immunogen” means the specific association between an antibody and a corresponding molecule.

“CDR diversification” or “diversified CDR” as used herein is the modification of amino acid sequences with the CDRs by any suitable method. CDRs are generally known to be the immunogen binding regions, therefore having collections comprising members representing a large diversity within the CDRs increases the possibility that a collection will comprise antibodies or fragments thereof having specificity, and optimal properties for any immunogen. Diversity is obtained by varying the amino acid composition of one or more CDRs. This can be achieved by any methods known to one of skill in the art, including the methods described herein.

A “collection of synthetic nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof” means that all nucleic acids that encode the antibody or fragment thereof are synthetic, but does not refer to other nucleic acids, such as vectors, that may be operably linked with such synthetic nucleic acids.

Terms Used in the Context of Molecular Biology

The term “synthesis” or “synthesized” means gene synthesis, where nucleic acid sequences are synthesized into physical DNA, comprising polynucleotides. Standard DNA synthesis comprises single nucleotide synthesis, where single-stranded oligo-nucleotides are generated and then the overlapping oligonucleotides are ligated using a PCR-like assembly. Companies, such as, Sloning (Puchheim, Germany), Geneart (Regensburg, Germany), DNA2.0 (Menlo Park, Calif. USA), and Genscript (Piscataway, N.J. USA) provide gene synthesis technology. Sloning, for example, utilizes a set of pre-made double stranded triplet nucleotides, which are annealed and subsequently ligated.

The term “synthetic” describes a molecule that is made by synthesis or synthesized.

The term “collection” or “library” means at least two members. The term “member” includes, but is not limited to nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof or the antibodies or fragments thereof themselves.

The term “host” refers to any host including mammal, such as human, murine, or rodent, mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, gophers, porcupines, beavers, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, cats, cows, or horses.

The term “nucleic acid” is used herein interchangeably with the term “polynucleotide” and refers to deoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides and polymers thereof in either single- or double-stranded form. The term encompasses nucleic acids containing known nucleotide analogs or modified backbone residues or linkages, which are synthetic, naturally occurring, and non-naturally occurring, which have similar binding properties as the reference nucleic acid. Examples of such analogs include, without limitation, phosphorothioates, phosphoramidates, methyl phosphonates, chiral-methyl phosphonates, 2-O-methyl ribonucleotides, and peptide-nucleic acids (PNAs).

Unless otherwise indicated, a particular nucleic acid sequence also implicitly encompasses conservatively modified variants thereof (e.g., degenerate codon substitutions) and complementary sequences, as well as the sequence explicitly indicated. Specifically, as detailed below, degenerate codon substitutions may be achieved by generating sequences in which the third position of one or more selected (or all) codons is substituted with mixed-base and/or deoxyinosine residues (Batzer et al., Nucleic Acid Res. 19:5081, 1991; Ohtsuka et al., J. Biol. Chem. 260:2605-2608, 1985; and Rossolini et al., Mol. Cell. Probes 8:91-98, 1994).

The term “operably linked” refers to a functional relationship between two or more polynucleotide (e.g., DNA) segments. Typically, it refers to the functional relationship of a transcriptional regulatory sequence to a transcribed sequence. For example, a promoter or enhancer sequence is operably linked to a coding sequence if it stimulates or modulates the transcription of the coding sequence in an appropriate host cell or other expression system. Generally, promoter transcriptional regulatory sequences that are operably linked to a transcribed sequence are physically contiguous to the transcribed sequence, i.e., they are cis-acting. However, some transcriptional regulatory sequences, such as enhancers, need not be physically contiguous or located in close proximity to the coding sequences whose transcription they enhance.

As used herein, the term, “codon optimized” or “codon optimization” means that a nucleotide sequence has been altered to encode an amino acid sequence using codons that are preferred in the production cell or organism. The optimized nucleotide sequence is engineered to retain the amino acid sequence originally encoded by the starting nucleotide sequence. In addition the nucleotide sequence may be designed to be completely or as much as possible devoid of inhibitory motifs, splice sites, mRNA instability motifs and undesired restriction sites. It can also be optimized for GC content, desired restriction sites and other parameters. Sequences may be optimized for expression in different hosts, including bacterial or eukaryotic cells. The amino acid sequences encoded by optimized nucleotide sequences are also referred to as optimized.

The term “amino acid” refers to naturally occurring and synthetic amino acids, as well as amino acid analogs and amino acid mimetics that function in a manner similar to the naturally occurring amino acids. Naturally occurring amino acids are those encoded by the genetic code, as well as those amino acids that are later modified, e.g., hydroxyproline, γ-carboxyglutamate, and O-phosphoserine. Amino acid analogs refer to compounds that have the same basic chemical structure as a naturally occurring amino acid, i.e., an alpha carbon that is bound to a hydrogen, a carboxyl group, an amino group, and an R group, e.g., homoserine, norleucine, methionine sulfoxide, methionine methyl sulfonium. Such analogs have modified R groups (e.g., norleucine) or modified peptide backbones, but retain the same basic chemical structure as a naturally occurring amino acid. Amino acid mimetics refers to chemical compounds that have a structure that is different from the general chemical structure of an amino acid, but that functions in a manner similar to a naturally occurring amino acid.

The terms “polypeptide” and “protein” are used interchangeably herein to refer to a polymer of amino acid residues. The terms apply to amino acid polymers in which one or more amino acid residue is an artificial chemical mimetic of a corresponding naturally occurring amino acid, as well as to naturally occurring amino acid polymers and non-naturally occurring amino acid polymers. Unless otherwise indicated, a particular polypeptide sequence also implicitly encompasses conservatively modified variants thereof.

The term “conservatively modified variant” applies to both amino acid and nucleic acid sequences. With respect to particular nucleic acid sequences, conservatively modified variants refers to those nucleic acids which encode identical or essentially identical amino acid sequences, or where the nucleic acid does not encode an amino acid sequence, to essentially identical sequences. Because of the degeneracy of the genetic code, a large number of functionally identical nucleic acids encode any given protein. For instance, the codons GCA, GCC, GCG and GCU all encode the amino acid alanine. Thus, at every position where an alanine is specified by a codon, the codon can be altered to any of the corresponding codons described without altering the encoded polypeptide. Such nucleic acid variations are “silent variations,” which are one species of conservatively modified variations. Every nucleic acid sequence herein which encodes a polypeptide also describes every possible silent variation of the nucleic acid. One of skill will recognize that each codon in a nucleic acid (except AUG, which is ordinarily the only codon for methionine, and TGG, which is ordinarily the only codon for tryptophan) can be modified to yield a functionally identical molecule. Accordingly, each silent variation of a nucleic acid that encodes a polypeptide is implicit in each described sequence.

For polypeptide sequences, “conservatively modified variants” include individual substitutions, deletions or additions to a polypeptide sequence which result in the substitution of an amino acid with a chemically similar amino acid. Conservative substitution tables providing functionally similar amino acids are well known in the art. Such conservatively modified variants are in addition to and do not exclude polymorphic variants, interspecies homologs, and alleles of the invention. The following eight groups contain amino acids that are conservative substitutions for one another: 1) Alanine (A), Glycine (G); 2) Aspartic acid (D), Glutamic acid (E); 3) Asparagine (N), Glutamine (Q); 4) Arginine (R), Lysine (K); 5) Isoleucine (I), Leucine (L), Methionine (M), Valine (V); 6) Phenylalanine (F), Tyrosine (Y), Tryptophan (W); 7) Serine (S), Threonine (T); and 8) Cysteine (C), Methionine (M) (see, e.g., Creighton, Proteins (1984)). In some embodiments, the term “conservative sequence modifications” are used to refer to amino acid modifications that do not significantly affect or alter the binding characteristics of the antibody containing the amino acid sequence.

The terms “identical” or percent “identity,” in the context of two or more nucleic acids or polypeptide sequences, refer to two or more sequences or subsequences that are the same. Two sequences are “substantially identical” if two sequences have a specified percentage of amino acid residues or nucleotides that are the same (i.e., 60% identity, optionally 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity over a specified region, or, when not specified, over the entire sequence), when compared and aligned for maximum correspondence over a comparison window, or designated region as measured using one of the following sequence comparison algorithms or by manual alignment and visual inspection. Optionally, the identity exists over a region that is at least about 50 nucleotides (or 10 amino acids) in length, or more preferably over a region that is 100 to 500 or 1000 or more nucleotides (or 20, 50, 200 or more amino acids) in length. For sequence comparison, typically one sequence acts as a reference sequence, to which test sequences are compared. When using a sequence comparison algorithm, test and reference sequences are entered into a computer, subsequence coordinates are designated, if necessary, and sequence algorithm program parameters are designated. Default program parameters can be used, or alternative parameters can be designated. The sequence comparison algorithm then calculates the percent sequence identities for the test sequences relative to the reference sequence, based on the program parameters.

A “comparison window”, as used herein, includes reference to a segment of any one of the number of contiguous positions selected from the group consisting of from 20 to 600, usually about 50 to about 200, more usually about 100 to about 150 in which a sequence may be compared to a reference sequence of the same number of contiguous positions after the two sequences are optimally aligned. Methods of alignment of sequences for comparison are well known in the art. Optimal alignment of sequences for comparison can be conducted, e.g., by the local homology algorithm of Smith and Waterman (1970) Adv. Appl. Math. 2:482c, by the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch, J. Mol. Biol. 48:443, 1970, by the search for similarity method of Pearson and Lipman, Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA 85:2444, 1988, by computerized implementations of these algorithms (GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package, Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Dr., Madison, Wis.), or by manual alignment and visual inspection (see, e.g., Brent et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (2003)).

Two examples of algorithms that are suitable for determining percent sequence identity and sequence similarity are the BLAST and BLAST 2.0 algorithms, which are described in Altschul et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 25:3389-3402, 1977; and Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410, 1990, respectively. Software for performing BLAST analyses is publicly available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information. This algorithm involves first identifying high scoring sequence pairs (HSPs) by identifying short words of length W in the query sequence, which either match or satisfy some positive-valued threshold score T when aligned with a word of the same length in a database sequence. T is referred to as the neighborhood word score threshold (Altschul et al., supra). These initial neighborhood word hits act as seeds for initiating searches to find longer HSPs containing them. The word hits are extended in both directions along each sequence for as far as the cumulative alignment score can be increased. Cumulative scores are calculated using, for nucleotide sequences, the parameters M (reward score for a pair of matching residues; always >0) and N (penalty score for mismatching residues; always <0). For amino acid sequences, a scoring matrix is used to calculate the cumulative score. Extension of the word hits in each direction are halted when: the cumulative alignment score falls off by the quantity X from its maximum achieved value; the cumulative score goes to zero or below, due to the accumulation of one or more negative-scoring residue alignments; or the end of either sequence is reached. The BLAST algorithm parameters W, T, and X determine the sensitivity and speed of the alignment. The BLASTN program (for nucleotide sequences) uses as defaults a word length (W) of 11, an expectation (E) or 10, M=5, N=−4 and a comparison of both strands. For amino acid sequences, the BLASTP program uses as defaults a word length of 3, and expectation (E) of 10, and the BLOSUM62 scoring matrix (see Henikoff and Henikoff, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:10915, 1989) alignments (B) of 50, expectation (E) of 10, M=5, N=−4, and a comparison of both strands.

The BLAST algorithm also performs a statistical analysis of the similarity between two sequences (see, e.g., Karlin and Altschul, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:5873-5787, 1993). One measure of similarity provided by the BLAST algorithm is the smallest sum probability (P(N)), which provides an indication of the probability by which a match between two nucleotide or amino acid sequences would occur by chance. For example, a nucleic acid is considered similar to a reference sequence if the smallest sum probability in a comparison of the test nucleic acid to the reference nucleic acid is less than about 0.2, more preferably less than about 0.01, and most preferably less than about 0.001.

The percent identity between two amino acid sequences can also be determined using the algorithm of E. Meyers and W. Miller (Comput. Appl. Biosci., 4:11-17, 1988) which has been incorporated into the ALIGN program (version 2.0), using a PAM120 weight residue table, a gap length penalty of 12 and a gap penalty of 4. In addition, the percent identity between two amino acid sequences can be determined using the Needleman and Wunsch (J. Mol. Biol. 48:444-453, 1970) algorithm which has been incorporated into the GAP program in the GCG software package (available at www.gcg.com), using either a Blossom 62 matrix or a PAM250 matrix, and a gap weight of 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, or 4 and a length weight of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.

Other than percentage of sequence identity noted above, another indication that two nucleic acid sequences or polypeptides are substantially identical is that the polypeptide encoded by the first nucleic acid is immunologically cross reactive with the antibodies raised against the polypeptide encoded by the second nucleic acid, as described below. Thus, a polypeptide is typically substantially identical to a second polypeptide, for example, where the two peptides differ only by conservative substitutions. Another indication that two nucleic acid sequences are substantially identical is that the two molecules or their complements hybridize to each other under stringent conditions, as described below. Yet another indication that two nucleic acid sequences are substantially identical is that the same primers can be used to amplify the sequence.

The term “recombinant host cell” (or simply “host cell”) refers to a cell into which a recombinant expression vector has been introduced. It should be understood that such terms are intended to refer not only to the particular subject cell but to the progeny of such a cell. Because certain modifications may occur in succeeding generations due to either mutation or environmental influences, such progeny may not, in fact, be identical to the parent cell, but are still included within the scope of the term “host cell” as used herein. Typical host cells are prokaryotic (such as bacterial, including but not limited to E. coli) or eukaryotic (which includes yeast, mammalian cells, and more)

The term “vector” is intended to refer to a polynucleotide molecule capable of transporting another polynucleotide to which it has been linked. Preferred vectors are those capable of autonomous replication and/or expression of nucleic acids to which they are linked. Vectors capable of directing the expression of nucleic acids to which they are operatively linked are referred to herein as “expression vectors.” One type of vector is a “plasmid”, which refers to a circular double stranded DNA loop into which additional DNA segments may be ligated. Another type of vector is a viral vector, wherein additional DNA segments may be ligated into the viral genome. Certain vectors are capable of autonomous replication in a host cell into which they are introduced (e.g., bacterial vectors having a bacterial origin of replication and episomal mammalian vectors). Other vectors (e.g., non-episomal mammalian vectors) can be integrated into the genome of a host cell upon introduction into the host cell, and thereby are replicated along with the host genome. Moreover, certain vectors are capable of directing the expression of genes to which they are operatively linked. Such vectors are referred to herein as “recombinant expression vectors” (or simply, “expression vectors”). In general, expression vectors of utility in recombinant DNA techniques are often in the form of plasmids. In the present specification, “plasmid” and “vector” may be used interchangeably as the plasmid is the most commonly used form of vector. However, the invention is intended to include such other forms of expression vectors, such as viral vectors (e.g., replication defective retroviruses, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses), which serve equivalent functions.

Vectors typically include a prokaryotic replicon which may include a prokaryotic promoter capable of directing the expression (transcription and translation) of the VH- and/or VL-coding homologs in a bacterial host cell, such as Escherichia coli transformed therewith. A promoter is an expression control element formed by a DNA sequence that permits binding of RNA polymerase and transcription to occur. Promoter sequences compatible with bacterial hosts are typically provided in plasmid vectors containing convenience restriction sites for insertion of a DNA segment. Examples of such vector plasmids include pUC8, pUC9, pBR322, and pBR329, pPL and pKK223, available commercially.

A “display vector” includes a DNA sequence having the ability to direct replication and maintenance of the recombinant DNA molecule extra chromosomally in a host cell, such as a bacterial host cell, transformed therewith. Such DNA sequences are well known in the art. Display vectors can for example be phage vectors or phagemid vectors originating from the class of fd, M13, or fl filamentous bacteriophage. Such vectors are capable of facilitating the display of a protein including, for example, a binding protein or a fragment thereof, on the surface of a filamentous bacteriophage. Display vectors suitable for display on phage, ribosomes, DNA, bacterial cells or eukaryotic cells, for example yeast or mammalian cells are also known in the art, for example, as are viral vectors or vectors encoding chimeric proteins.

Restriction sites that are “unique” are restriction sites that exist or appear only once on a given nucleic acid molecule.

Collections and Methods of Producing and Using the Same

The present disclosure enables collections of antibodies or functional fragments thereof that can be used in the identification of a therapeutic antibody against any target, where the antibodies are clinically developable and safe and effective in patients. As background, the inventors assumed that the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs abundant in the human immune repertoire likely have favorable biophysical properties that would lead to more efficient development and increase the safety and efficacy of the resulting antibodies in patients. Each B cell encodes one antibody, and each antibody comprises a variable heavy chain and variable light chain. Each of the variable heavy chain and variable light chains of an antibody can be aligned with a germline gene sequence in order to determine the origin of the antibody, meaning from which germline gene the variable heavy chain and variable light chain were formed. Therefore, for each antibody, it can be said, that the variable heavy chain and variable light chain comprise a germline gene pair, for example, VH3-23 paired with VK1-5. Such favorable biophysical properties could include: a) high relative display rate in Fab format; b) high relative Fab expression levels; c) temperature stability of Fab; d) bovine/mouse serum stability of Fab; e) high relative human IgG1 expression levels; and f) bovine serum stability of human IgG1.

In order to prove the hypothesis that the germline gene pairs likely have favorable biophysical properties, the first step was to identify the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs expressed in the human immune repertoire. In some aspects, the present invention comprises a method of producing a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising the step of obtaining data comprising the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs present in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments the data is obtained from publically available literature that provides variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs. Generally, in the relevant publically available literature, the following methods were followed: B cells were isolated from human donors, the B cells were sorted in order to determine their stage of development or differentiation, cDNAs were generated and amplified representing the DNA encoding the antibody from each B cell, the cDNAs were sequenced, cDNAs encoding the variable heavy chain and variable light chains were aligned to the known germline gene sequences, and the germline gene pair from each B cell was determined. In some embodiments the data was obtained from the sampling and isolation of human B cells, which comprised a method similar to that used in the literature. In these aspects the method of producing a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprises the step of obtaining data comprising the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs present in the human immune repertoire; wherein the obtaining step further comprises the steps of aa) isolating human B cells from a sample; ab) generating cDNA from the B cells; ac) PCR amplifying the cDNA from the B cells; ad) sequencing the PCR products; and ae) identifying the germline genes of the PCR products. Both sets of data provided the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs that are present in the human immune repertoire.

As a next step, the raw data was pooled, analyzed and the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs present in the human immune repertoire were ranked in terms of level of expression. In these aspects, the present invention comprises a method of producing a collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising identifying the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire.

Germline Gene Pairs Prominently Expressed in the Human Immune Repertoire

From this data it was clear that certain variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs were present more frequently than others in the human immune repertoire. As these prominent pairs were expected to have superior biophysical properties, aspects of the present invention comprise collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof derived from the germline gene pairs that are prominent in the human immune repertoire, where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof are derived from the germline gene pairs that are prominent in the human immune repertoire. In other aspects, the present invention comprises collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising substantially germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire, where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise substantially germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire. In other aspects, the present invention comprises collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire, where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire. In some aspects, the present invention comprises a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pairs, wherein said germline genes are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire.

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, wherein said variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions consist essentially of germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof consist essentially of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire, where in some embodiments one or more CDRs consist essentially of the germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, wherein said variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions consist of germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof consist of the germline protein pairs that are encoded by the germline protein pairs prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire where in some embodiments one or more CDRs consist essentially of the germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the majority of or substantially all of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof of the collections comprise germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire.

In some embodiments, the germline gene pairs that are abundant or prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire are expressed at a concentration of at least 0.05% in the human immune repertoire, at least 0.09% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.14% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.19% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.23% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.28% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.33% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.37% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.42% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.47% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.51% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.56% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.61% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.66% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.70% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.84% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.89% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.94% in the human immune repertoire; at least 1.03% in the human immune repertoire; at least 1.12% in the human immune repertoire; at least 1.17% in the human immune repertoire; or at least 1.26% in the human immune repertoire.

An additional aspect to the present invention is the ability of the collections to be useful in identifying antibodies or functional fragments thereof against any immunogen. It was thought that generating collections with at least two variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pairs that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire would provide diversity within the collection, especially within the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies of the collection, in terms of CDR length and diversity in conformations or canonical structures. This allows the collections of the present invention to be useful in identifying antibodies or functional fragments thereof against any immunogen. Therefore, some aspects of the invention comprise collections comprising antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising at least two different germline protein pairs; at least three different germline protein pairs; at least four different germline protein pairs; at least five different germline protein pairs; at least six different germline protein pairs; at least seven different germline protein pairs; at least eight different germline protein pairs; at least nine different germline protein pairs; at least ten different germline protein pairs; at least eleven different germline protein pairs; at least twelve different germline protein pairs; at least thirteen different germline protein pairs; at least fourteen different germline protein pairs; at least fifteen different germline protein pairs; at least sixteen different germline protein pairs; at least seventeen different germline protein pairs; at least eighteen different germline protein pairs; at least nineteen different germline protein pairs; at least twenty different germline protein pairs; at least 21 different germline protein pairs; at least 22 different germline protein pairs; at least 23 different germline protein pairs; at least 24 different germline protein pairs; at least 25 different germline protein pairs; at least 26 different germline protein pairs; at least 27 different germline protein pairs; at least 28 different variable heavy chain germline protein; at least 29 different germline protein pairs sequences; at least 30 different germline protein pairs; at least 31 different germline protein pairs; at least 32 different germline protein pairs; at least 33 different germline protein pairs; at least 34 different germline protein pairs; at least 35 different germline protein pairs; at least 36 different germline protein pairs; at least 37 different germline protein pairs; at least 38 different germline protein pairs; at least 39 different germline protein pairs; at least 40 different germline protein pairs; at least 41 different germline protein pairs; at least 42 different germline protein pairs; at least 43 different germline protein pairs; at least 44 different variable heavy chain germline protein; at least 45 different germline protein pairs sequences; at least 46 different germline protein pairs; at least 47 different germline protein pairs; at least 48 different germline protein pairs; at least 49 different germline protein pairs; or at least 50 different germline protein pairs selected from the prominently expressed germline protein pairs of the human immune repertoire.

In some embodiments, the collections comprise variable heavy and variable light chain framework regions comprising one or more germline protein pairs selected from the germline gene pairs shown in Table 18.

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises an isolated antibody or functional fragment thereof, comprising a variable heavy chain domain and variable light chain domain comprising a FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, and FR3 comprising germline protein sequences of a germline gene pair, wherein the germline gene pair is selected from the germline gene pairs of Table 18.

Germline Gene Pairs Prominently Expressed in the Naïve Human Immune Repertoire

It was also contemplated that certain variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs may be differentially expressed in naïve B cells (antigen inexperienced) versus antigen experienced B cells, therefore, the data was analyzed based on the development or differentiation of the sampled B cells. Collections comprising germline protein pairs of the germline gene pairs differentially expressed in naïve B cells may be advantageous in selecting for antibodies or functional fragments thereof against any immunogen. Therefore aspects of the present invention comprise collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, derived from the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire, where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof are derived from the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire. In other aspects, the present invention comprises collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising substantially germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire, where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise substantially germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire. In other aspects, the present invention comprises collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire, where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire. In some aspects, the present invention comprises a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said framework regions comprise germline protein sequences, wherein said germline protein sequences comprise variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pairs, wherein said germline protein pairs are encoded by germline gene pairs are prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire.

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, wherein said variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions consist essentially of germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof consist essentially of the germline protein pairs encoded by the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, wherein said variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions consist of germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof consist of the germline protein pairs that are encoded by the germline gene pairs prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the majority of or substantially all of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof of the collections comprise germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs that are prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire.

In some embodiments, the germline gene pairs that are abundant or prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire are expressed at a concentration of at least 0.07% in the naïve human immune repertoire, at least 0.15% in the naïve human immune repertoire; at least 0.22% in the naïve human immune repertoire; at least 0.30% in the naïve human immune repertoire; at least 0.37% in the naïve human immune repertoire; at least 0.45% in the naïve human immune repertoire; at least 0.52% in the naïve human immune repertoire; at least 0.59% in the naïve human immune repertoire; at least 0.67% in the naïve human immune repertoire; at least 0.74% in the naïve human immune repertoire; at least 0.82% in the naïve human immune repertoire; at least 0.89% in the naïve human immune repertoire; at least 0.97% in the naïve human immune repertoire; at least 1.19% in the naïve human immune repertoire; or at least 1.56% in the naïve human immune repertoire.

An additional aspect to the present invention is the ability of the collections to be useful in identifying antibodies or functional fragments thereof against any immunogen. It was thought that generating collections with at least two variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pairs that are encoded by germline gene pairs prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire would provide diversity within the collection, especially within the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies of the collection, in terms of CDR length and diversity in conformations or canonical structures. This allows the collections of the present invention to be useful in identifying antibodies or functional fragments thereof against any immunogen. Therefore, some aspects of the invention comprise collections comprising antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising at least two different germline protein pairs; at least three different germline protein pairs; at least four different germline protein pairs; at least five different germline protein pairs; at least six different germline protein pairs; at least seven different germline protein pairs; at least eight different germline protein pairs; at least nine different germline protein pairs; at least ten different germline protein pairs; at least eleven different germline protein pairs; at least twelve different germline protein pairs; at least thirteen different germline protein pairs; at least fourteen different germline protein pairs; at least fifteen different germline protein pairs; at least sixteen different germline protein pairs; at least seventeen different germline protein pairs; at least eighteen different germline protein pairs; at least nineteen different germline protein pairs; at least twenty different germline protein pairs; at least 21 different germline protein pairs; at least 22 different germline protein pairs; at least 23 different germline protein pairs; at least 24 different germline protein pairs; at least 25 different germline protein pairs; at least 26 different germline protein pairs; at least 27 different germline protein pairs; at least 28 different variable heavy chain germline protein; at least 29 different germline protein pairs sequences; at least 30 different germline protein pairs; at least 31 different germline protein pairs; at least 32 different germline protein pairs; at least 33 different germline protein pairs; at least 34 different germline protein pairs; at least 35 different germline protein pairs; at least 36 different germline protein pairs; at least 37 different germline protein pairs; at least 38 different germline protein pairs; at least 39 different germline protein pairs; at least 40 different germline protein pairs; at least 41 different germline protein pairs; at least 42 different germline protein pairs; at least 43 different germline protein pairs; at least 44 different variable heavy chain germline protein; at least 45 different germline protein pairs sequences; at least 46 different germline protein pairs; at least 47 different germline protein pairs; at least 48 different germline protein pairs; at least 49 different germline protein pairs; at least 49 different germline protein pairs; or at least 50 different germline protein pairs.

In some embodiments, the collections comprise variable heavy and variable light chain framework regions comprising one or more germline protein pairs selected from the germline gene pairs of Table 19.

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises an isolated antibody or functional fragment thereof, comprising a variable heavy chain domain and variable light chain domain comprising a FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, and FR3 comprising germline protein sequences comprising a germline protein pair, wherein the germline protein pair is selected from the germline gene pairs of Table 19.

Variable Heavy Chain, Variable κ Light Chain, and Variable λ Light Chain Germline Genes Prominently Expressed in the Human Immune Repertoire

As a next step, the pooled data and additional data was analyzed to determine the variable heavy chain, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline gene expression in the human immune repertoire. Therefore, additional aspects of the present invention comprise methods of producing a collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising the step of identifying the variable heavy chain, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline genes that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire. One way of doing this is to rank the variable heavy chain, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline genes based upon their level of expression.

Antibodies comprising the variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline protein sequences encoded by the germline genes prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire likely have favorable biophysical properties that enhance development and safety and efficacy in patients. Therefore aspects of the present invention comprise collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof derived from the variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline genes that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire, where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof are derived from the variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline genes that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire. In other aspects, the present invention comprises collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising substantially germline protein sequences of the variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline genes that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire, where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise substantially germline protein sequences of the variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline genes that are prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire. In other aspects, the present invention comprises collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising germline protein sequences of the variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline genes that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire, where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise germline protein sequences of the variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline genes that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire. In some aspects, the present invention comprises a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said framework regions comprise germline protein sequences, wherein said germline protein sequences are encoded by the variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline genes that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire.

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, wherein said variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions consist essentially of germline protein sequences of the variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline genes that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof consist essentially of the variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline protein sequences encoded by the germline genes that are prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, wherein said variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions consist of germline protein sequences of the variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline genes that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof consist of the variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline protein sequences encoded by the germline genes that are prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the majority of or substantially all of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof of the collections comprise germline protein sequences encoded by the germline genes that are prominently expressed in the naïve human immune repertoire.

In some embodiments, the variable heavy chain germline genes that are abundant or prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire are expressed at a concentration of at least 0.1% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.2% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.3% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.4% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.5% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.6% in the human immune repertoire; at least 1.0% in the human immune repertoire; at least 1.6% in the human immune repertoire; at least 2.1% in the human immune repertoire; at least 2.2% in the human immune repertoire; at least 2.6% in the human immune repertoire; at least 2.7% in the human immune repertoire; at least 3.0% in the human immune repertoire; at least 3.2% in the human immune repertoire; at least 3.3% in the human immune repertoire; at least 4.0% in the human immune repertoire; at least 4.1% in the human immune repertoire; at least 4.5% in the human immune repertoire; at least 4.6% in the human immune repertoire; at least 5.3% in the human immune repertoire; at least 5.8% in the human immune repertoire; at least 6.8% in the human immune repertoire; at least 7.6% in the human immune repertoire; at least 8.0% in the human immune repertoire or at least 10.6% in the human immune repertoire.

In some embodiments, the variable κ light chain germline genes that are abundant or prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire are expressed at a concentration of at least 0.1% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.2% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.3% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.4% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.5% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.7% in the human immune repertoire; at least 1.0% in the human immune repertoire; at least 1.1% in the human immune repertoire; at least 1.3% in the human immune repertoire; at least 1.9% in the human immune repertoire; at least 2.2% in the human immune repertoire; at least 2.4% in the human immune repertoire; at least 2.6% in the human immune repertoire; at least 4.6% in the human immune repertoire; at least 6.0% in the human immune repertoire; at least 7.6% in the human immune repertoire; at least 8.5% in the human immune repertoire; at least 11.1% in the human immune repertoire; at least 11.2% in the human immune repertoire; at least 14.2% in the human immune repertoire; or at least 16.2% in the human immune repertoire.

In some embodiments, the variable λ light chain germline genes that are abundant or prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire are expressed at a concentration of at least 0.1% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.3% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.5% in the human immune repertoire; at least 0.6% in the human immune repertoire; at least 1.0% in the human immune repertoire; at least 1.2% in the human immune repertoire; at least 1.5% in the human immune repertoire; at least 1.7% in the human immune repertoire; at least 4.5% in the human immune repertoire; at least 5.1% in the human immune repertoire; at least 5.3% in the human immune repertoire; at least 6.5% in the human immune repertoire; at least 8.1% in the human immune repertoire; at least 10.0% in the human immune repertoire; at least 11.3% in the human immune repertoire; or at least 18.1% in the human immune repertoire.

An additional aspect to the present invention is the ability of the collections to be useful in identifying antibodies or functional fragments thereof against any immunogen. It was thought that generating collections with one or more of the variable heavy chain, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline genes prominently expressed in the human immune repertoire would generate diversity within the collection, especially in CDR length and conformations or canonical structures thus enabling the collection to be useful in identifying an antibodies or functional fragments thereof against any immunogen. Embodiments of the present invention comprise collections comprising antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising at least two different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least three different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least four different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least five different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least six different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least seven different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least eight different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least nine different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least ten different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least eleven different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least twelve different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least thirteen different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least fourteen different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least fifteen different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least sixteen different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least seventeen different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least eighteen different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least nineteen different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least twenty different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 21 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 22 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 23 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 24 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 25 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 26 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 27 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 28 different variable heavy chain germline protein; at least 29 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 30 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 31 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 32 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 33 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 34 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 35 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 36 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 37 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 38 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 39 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 40 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 41 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 42 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 43 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 44 different variable heavy chain germline protein; at least 45 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 46 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 47 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 48 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least 49 different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise collections comprising antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising at least two variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least three different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least four different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least five different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least six different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least seven different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least eight different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least nine different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least ten different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least eleven different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least twelve different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least thirteen different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least fourteen different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least fifteen different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least sixteen different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least seventeen different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least eighteen different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least nineteen different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least twenty different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 21 different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 22 different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 23 different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 24 different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 25 different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 26 different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 27 different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 28 different variable κ light chain germline protein; at least 29 different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 30 different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 31 different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 32 different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 33 different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 34 different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 35 different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise collections comprising antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising at least two different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least three different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least four different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least five different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least six different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least seven different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least eight different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least nine different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least ten different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least eleven different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least twelve different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least thirteen different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least fourteen different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least fifteen different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least sixteen different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least seventeen different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least eighteen different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least nineteen different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least twenty different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 21 different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 22 different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 23 different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 24 different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 25 different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 26 different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 27 different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 28 different variable λ light chain germline protein; at least 29 different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 30 different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 31 different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 32 different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least 33 different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences

In some embodiments, the collections comprise antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising variable heavy and variable light chain framework regions wherein said framework regions comprise one or more variable heavy chain germline protein sequences selected from the group consisting of: IGHV3-23; IGHV3-30; IGHV4-39; IGHV4-34; IGHV4-59; IGHV1-69; IGHV5-51; IGHV3-7; IGHV1-18; IGHV3-48; IGHV3-15; IGHV3-21; IGHV1-2; IGHV3-33; IGHV4-31; IGHV3-53; IGHV3-11; IGHV3-9; IGHV4-4; IGHV1-46; IGHV3-74; IGHV1-24; IGHV4-61; IGHV1-8; IGHV1-3; IGHV3-49; IGHV3-43; IGHV4-28; IGHV3-64; and IGHV7-81.

In some embodiments, the collections comprise antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising variable heavy and variable light chain framework regions wherein said framework regions comprise one or more variable κ light chain germline protein sequences selected from the group consisting of: IGKV3-20; IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGKV1-5; IGKV3-15; IGKV4-1; IGKV3-11; IGKV2-28/2D-28; IGKV1-33/1D-33; IGKV2-30; IGKV1-9; IGKV1-17; IGKV1-27; IGKV1-8; IGKV1-16; IGKV1-6; IGKV1-12; IGKV2D-29; IGKV1-13; IGKV1D-8; and IGKV2-24.

In some embodiments, the collections comprise antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising variable heavy and variable light chain framework regions wherein said framework regions comprise one or more variable λ light chain germline protein sequences selected from the group consisting of: IGLV2-14; IGLV1-40; IGLV1-44; IGLV1-51; IGLV2-23; IGLV3-21; IGLV1-47; IGLV3-1; IGLV2-11; IGLV2-8; IGLV6-57; IGLV3-25; IGLV7-46; IGLV1-36; IGLV7-43; IGLV9-49; IGLV4-69; IGLV2-18; IGLV3-10; and IGLV3-27.

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises an isolated antibody or functional fragment thereof, comprising a FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, and FR3 comprising germline protein sequences selected from the group consisting of: IGHV3-23; IGHV3-30; IGHV4-39; IGHV4-34; IGHV4-59; IGHV1-69; IGHV5-51; IGHV3-7; IGHV1-18; IGHV3-48; IGHV3-15; IGHV3-21; IGHV1-2; IGHV3-33; IGHV4-31; IGHV3-53; IGHV3-11; IGHV3-9; IGHV4-4; IGHV1-46; IGHV3-74; IGHV1-24; IGHV4-61; IGHV1-8; IGHV1-3; IGHV3-49; IGHV3-43; IGHV4-28; IGHV3-64; IGHV7-81; IGKV3-20; IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGKV1-5; IGKV3-15; IGKV4-1; IGKV3-11; IGKV2-28/2D-28; IGKV1-33/1D-33; IGKV2-30; IGKV1-9; IGKV1-17; IGKV1-27; IGKV1-8; IGKV1-16; IGKV1-6; IGKV1-12; IGKV2D-29; IGKV1-13; IGKV1D-8; IGKV2-24; IGLV2-14; IGLV1-40; IGLV1-44; IGLV1-51; IGLV2-23; IGLV3-21; IGLV1-47; IGLV3-1; IGLV2-11; IGLV2-8; IGLV6-57; IGLV3-25; IGLV7-46; IGLV1-36; IGLV7-43; IGLV9-49; IGLV4-69; IGLV2-18; IGLV3-10; and IGLV3-27.

Variable Heavy Chain, Variable κ Light Chain, and Variable λ Light Chain Germline Genes Having Favorable Biophysical Properties

As a next step the prominent variable heavy chain, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline protein sequences were evaluated to determine their biophysical properties relevant to development. The variable heavy chain, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline protein sequences were evaluated in silico for the following properties: CDR length, isoelectric point (pl) the preferred isoelectric point is 7.5 or above as this is should provide stability in a standard pH 5.5 to pH 7 formulation buffer, post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions (PTM's) (specifically, N-linked glycosylation sites (N×S or N×T) or chemical modifications such as Asp cleavage (often at a DP), Asp isomerization (DD, DG), deamidation (NS, NG) which can occur in vivo (in serum) or upon storage in formulation buffer and lead to loss of antibody binding), the presence of Methionines in the CDRs (can be oxidized when exposed to solvent), the presence of unpaired Cysteines (will form disulfide bonds with any other unpaired cysteine, thus leading to crosslinking of proteins and/or lower expression levels), deviations from germline, the presence of potential T-cell epitopes, and theoretical aggregation propensity.

In some embodiments the present invention comprises a method of producing the collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprises the steps of a) identifying the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; and vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5; and b) generating a collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline gene sequences identified in a).

Aspects of the present invention comprise collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof derived from the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising one or more of the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5, where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof are derived from the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences having such properties.

Aspects of the present invention comprise collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising substantially germline protein sequences of the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising one or more of the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5, where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise substantially germline protein sequences from the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences having such properties.

Aspects of the present invention comprise collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising germline protein sequences of the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising one or more of the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5, where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising germline protein sequences of the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein having such properties.

Aspects of the present invention comprise collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising no unpaired cysteines.

Aspects of the present invention comprise collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; three or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; two or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; one or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions, or no post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions.

Aspects of the present invention comprise collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof derived from the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising an isoelectric point of at least 7.5; of at least 8.0; of at least 8.5; of at least 9; or of at least 9.5.

Aspects of the present invention comprise collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said framework regions comprise variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising one or more of the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

In some embodiments the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising at least two of the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

In some embodiments the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising at least four of the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

In some embodiments the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising at least four of the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

In some embodiments the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising at least five of the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

In some embodiments the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; and vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

In some embodiments, the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein the framework regions consist essentially of the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising one or more of the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof consist essentially of the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising one or more of the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

In some embodiments, the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein the framework regions consist of variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising one or more of the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof consist of the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising one or more of the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

In some embodiments, the majority of or substantially all of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof of the collections comprise the variable heavy chain and/or variable light chain germline protein sequences comprising one or more of the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

Some embodiments, comprise a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said framework regions comprise germline protein sequences, wherein said germline protein sequences comprise the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; and v) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

Some embodiments comprise a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said framework regions comprise germline protein sequences, wherein said germline protein sequences comprise the following property: i) one or less unpaired cysteines.

Some embodiments comprise a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said framework regions comprise germline protein sequences, wherein said germline protein sequences comprise the following properties: i) one or less unpaired cysteines; ii) one or less potential T-cell epitopes.

Some embodiments comprise a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said framework regions comprise germline protein sequences, wherein said germline protein sequences comprise the following properties: i) one or less unpaired cysteines; ii) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; and iii) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

Some embodiments comprise a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said framework regions comprise germline protein sequences, wherein said germline protein sequences comprise the following properties: i) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; ii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iii) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; and iv) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

An additional aspect of the present invention is the ability of the collections to be useful in identifying antibodies or functional fragments thereof against any immunogen. It was thought that generating collections with one or more variable heavy chain, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline protein sequences would generate diversity within the collection, especially in CDR length and conformations or canonical structures thus enabling the collection to be useful in identifying antibodies or functional fragments thereof against any immunogen.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise collections comprising antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising at least two different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least three different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least four different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least five different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least six different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least seven different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least eight different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least nine different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least ten different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least eleven different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least twelve different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least thirteen different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least fourteen different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least fifteen different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least sixteen different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least seventeen different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least eighteen different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; at least nineteen different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences; or at least twenty different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences comprising the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise collections comprising antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising at least two different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least three different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least four different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least five different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least six different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least seven different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least eight different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least nine different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least ten different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least eleven different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences; at least twelve different variable κ light chain germline protein sequences comprising the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise collections comprising antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising at least two different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least three different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least four different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least five different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least six different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least seven different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences; at least eight different variable λ light chain germline protein sequences comprising the following properties: i) four or less post translational modifications in the complementarity determining regions; ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining regions; iii) one or less unpaired cysteines; iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes; v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; or vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5.

In some embodiments, the collections comprise antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising variable heavy and variable light chain framework regions wherein said framework regions comprise one or more variable heavy chain germline protein sequences selected from the group consisting of: IGHV1-2; IGHV1-18; IGHV1-69; IGHV1-46; IGHV3-7; IGHV3-11; IGHV3-15; IGHV3-21; IGHV3-23; IGHV3-30; IGHV3-33; IGHV3-48; IGHV3-53; IGHV3-73; IGH3-74; IGHV4-4; IGHV4-31; IGHV4-39; IGHV 5-51 and IGHV6-1.

In some embodiments, the collections comprise antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising variable heavy and variable light chain framework regions wherein said framework regions comprise one or more variable κ light chain germline protein sequences selected from the group consisting of: IGKV1-5; IGKV1-6; IGKV1-9; IGKV1-12; IGKV1-16; IGKV1-17; IGKV1-27; IGKV1-39; IGKV2-30; IGKV3-11; IGKV3-15; and IGKV3-20.

In some embodiments, the collections comprise antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising variable heavy and variable light chain framework regions wherein said framework regions comprise one or more variable λ light chain germline protein sequences selected from the group consisting of: IGLV1-40; IGLV1-47; IGLV1-51; IGLV2-11; IGLV2-23; IGLV2-14; IGLV3-1 and IGLV3-21.

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises an isolated antibody or functional fragment thereof, comprising a FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, and FR3 comprising germline protein sequences selected from the group consisting of: IGHV1-2; IGHV1-18; IGHV1-69; IGHV1-46; IGHV3-7; IGHV3-11; IGHV3-15; IGHV3-21; IGHV3-23; IGHV3-30; IGHV3-33; IGHV3-48; IGHV3-53; IGHV3-73; IGH3-74; IGHV4-4; IGHV4-31; IGHV4-39; IGHV 5-51; IGHV6-1; IGKV1-5; IGKV1-6; IGKV1-9; IGKV1-12; IGKV1-16; IGKV1-17; IGKV1-27; IGKV1-39; IGKV2-30; IGKV3-11; IGKV3-15; IGKV3-20; IGLV1-40; IGLV1-47; IGLV1-51; IGLV2-11; IGLV2-23; IGLV2-14; IGLV3-1 and IGLV3-21.

Germline Gene Pairs Having Favorable Biophysical Properties

As a next step, it had to be determined which germline protein pairs were to be tested, as there are ˜2500 pairs in the human immune repertoire. One way would be to test the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pairs that occur most prominently in the human immune repertoire, for example see Table 18. One could, for example, select the top four hundred pairs for testing, or select the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pairs expressed above a certain threshold concentration. Therefore, aspects of the present invention comprise methods producing the collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof wherein the step of producing further comprises the step of identifying the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs expressed at a concentration of at least 0.05% in the human immune repertoire; generating antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising the germline protein pairs identified; and evaluating the following properties of said germline protein pairs: i) relative display rate in Fab format; ii) expression level in Fab format; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more in Fab format for at least 45 minutes; iv) stability in bovine serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) expression level in IgG format; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

This approach would require the synthesis and testing of a large number of variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pair sequences; therefore, such an approach would not be very efficient.

As an alternative approach, the inventors selected a subset of the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline pairs that are representative of, accurately reproduce, or cover the majority of the prominently expressed pairs from the human immune repertoire. This approach was based, in part, upon the observation that a small number of variable heavy, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline genes are dominant in the human immune repertoire. Wildt et al. at 895-896 describes this phenomenon. Wildt et al. also states that the frequently expressed heavy and light chain gene segments are often paired, and observed that half of the pairings sampled correspond to only five germline pairs. Therefore, a small number of the prominently expressed heavy and light chain germline genes (unpaired) can be combined to generate a group of pairs that are representative of the human immune repertoire.

Therefore, aspects of the present invention comprise collections of antibodies or fragments thereof comprising germline protein pairs representative of, that accurately reproduce or cover the majority of the prominently expressed variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs of the human immune repertoire or naïve human immune repertoire. As described below, our approach leads to collections comprising antibodies or fragments thereof that are fully developable, as the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pairs are first tested for favorable biophysical properties and then collections are designed to include the germline protein pairs comprising one or more of these favorable biophysical properties.

Aspects of the present invention comprise methods of producing a collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising the step of identifying the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pairs comprising one or more of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab pMx11_FH VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some aspects, the present invention comprises methods of producing a collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising generating a collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said one or more framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pairs, wherein said germline protein pair comprise one or more the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C. In some embodiments, the FR1, FR2, and FR3 regions comprise germline protein sequences.

In some embodiments, the FR1, FR2, and FR3 regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair. In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise one or more complementarity determining regions comprising germline protein sequences. In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise one or more complementarity determining regions comprising germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair. In some embodiments, the CDR1 and CDR2 regions comprise germline protein sequences. In some embodiments, the CDR1 and CDR2 regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair. In some embodiments, the FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, and FR3 regions comprise germline protein sequences. In some embodiments, the FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, and FR3 regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair. In some embodiments, the FR4 region comprises the JH4 heavy chain region. In some embodiments, the FR4 region comprises the Jκ1 light chain region. In some embodiments, the FR4 region comprises the Jλ2/3 light chain region.

In other embodiments the present invention comprises methods of producing collections of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising generating a collection, wherein generating further comprises the steps of synthesizing the nucleic acids encoding the antibodies or functional fragments thereof; cloning the nucleic acids into a vector; and expressing the antibodies or functional fragments thereof.

Once the prominently expressed or representative group thereof of variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pairs were synthesized and tested, then collections could be designed to include germline protein pairs comprising favorable biophysical properties.

Aspects of the present invention comprise collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof derived from the germline protein pairs comprising one or more of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C., where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof are derived from the germline protein pairs having such properties.

Aspects of the present invention comprise collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising substantially germline protein sequences of the germline protein pairs comprising one or more of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C., where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise substantially germline protein sequences of the germline protein pairs having such properties.

Aspects of the present invention comprise collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising germline protein sequences of the germline protein pairs comprising one or more of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C., where in some embodiments, one or more of the framework regions and/or the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise germline protein sequences of the germline protein pairs having such properties.

In some aspects, the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein the framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising one or more of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, the framework regions comprising germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprise FR1, FR2, and FR3 regions. In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise one or more complementarity determining regions comprising germline protein sequences. In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise one or more complementarity determining regions comprising germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair. In some embodiments, the CDR1 and CDR2 regions comprise germline protein sequences. In some embodiments, the CDR1 and CDR2 regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair. In some embodiments, the FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, and FR3 regions comprise germline protein sequences. In some embodiments, the FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, and FR3 regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair. In some embodiments, the FR4 region comprises the JH4 heavy chain region. In some embodiments, the FR4 region comprises the Jκ1 light chain region. In some embodiments, the FR4 region comprises the Jλ2/3 light chain region.

In some embodiments, the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein the framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising at least two of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein the framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising at least three of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein the framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising at least four of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein the framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising at least five of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein the framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled;

ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein the framework regions consist essentially of germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising one or more of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof consist essentially of germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising one or more of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, the collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein the framework regions consist of germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising one or more of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof consist of germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising one or more of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, the majority of or substantially all of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof of the collections comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising one or more of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some aspects, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof of the collection comprise the germline protein sequences of the germline protein pairs comprising one or more of the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof consist essentially of germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof consist of germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, the collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said variable heavy chain framework regions and variable light chain framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair, wherein said germline protein pair comprises the following properties: i) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; and ii) stability in serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, the collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said variable heavy chain framework regions and variable light chain framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair, wherein said germline protein pair comprises the following properties: i) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; ii) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; iii) stability in serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said variable heavy chain framework regions and variable light chain framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair, wherein said germline protein pair comprises the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iii) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; and iv) stability in serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In some embodiments, a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprises variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said variable heavy chain framework regions and variable light chain framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair, wherein said germline protein pair comprises the following properties: i) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; ii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iii) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; iv) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR003080; and v) stability in serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In other embodiments the collections of the present invention comprise a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said variable heavy chain framework regions and variable light chain framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair, wherein said germline protein pair comprises the following properties: i) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; ii) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; iii) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR003080; and iv) stability in serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.

In other embodiments the collections of the present invention and/or methods of producing such collections comprise antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising a relative display rate in Fab format of at least 0.1 as compared to control; of at least 0.2 as compared to control; of at least 0.3 as compared to control; of at least 0.4 as compared to control; of at least 0.5 as compared to control; of at least 0.6 as compared to control; of at least 0.7 as compared to control; of at least 0.8 as compared to control; of at least 0.9 as compared to control; of at least 1.0 as compared to control; of at least 1.1 as compared to control; of at least 1.2 as compared to control; of at least 1.3 as compared to control; of at least 1.4 as compared to control; of at least 1.5 as compared to control; of at least 1.6 as compared to control; of at least 1.7 as compared to control; of at least 1.8 as compared to control; of at least 1.9 as compared to control; of at least 2.0 as compared to control; of at least 2.1 as compared to control; of at least 2.2 as compared to control; of at least 2.3 as compared to control; of at least 2.4 as compared to control; of at least 2.5 as compared to control; of at least 2.6 as compared to control; of at least 2.7 as compared to control; of at least 2.8 as compared to control; of at least 2.9 as compared to control; of at least 3.0 as compared to control; of at least 3.2 as compared to control; of at least 3.3 as compared to control; of at least 3.4 as compared to control; of at least 3.5 as compared to control; of at least 3.6 as compared to control; of at least 3.7 as compared to control; of at least 3.8 as compared to control; of at least 4.1 as compared to control; of at least 4.3 as compared to control; of at least 4.4 as compared to control; of at least 4.5 as compared to control; of at least 4.6 as compared to control; of at least 4.7 as compared to control; of at least 5.0 as compared to control; of at least 5.1 as compared to control; of at least 5.2 as compared to control; of at least 5.4 as compared to control; of at least 5.5 as compared to control; of at least 5.7 as compared to control; of at least 5.9 as compared to control; of at least 6.0 as compared to control; of at least 6.1 as compared to control; of at least 6.3 as compared to control; of at least 6.4 as compared to control; of at least 6.7 as compared to control; of at least 6.9 as compared to control; of at least 7.0 as compared to control; of at least 7.1 as compared to control; of at least 7.2 as compared to control; of at least 7.3 as compared to control; of at least 7.4 as compared to control; of at least 8.1 as compared to control; of at least 8.2 as compared to control; of at least 8.3 as compared to control; of at least 8.4 as compared to control; of at least 8.5 as compared to control; of at least 8.6 as compared to control; of at least 8.7 as compared to control; of at least 8.8 as compared to control; of at least 8.9 as compared to control; of at least 9.1 as compared to control; of at least 9.2 as compared to control; of at least 9.3 as compared to control; of at least 9.4 as compared to control; of at least 9.5 as compared to control; of at least 9.7 as compared to control; of at least 9.8 as compared to control; of at least 10.0 as compared to control; of at least 10.2 as compared to control; of at least 10.3 as compared to control; of at least 10.5 as compared to control; of at least 10.6 as compared to control; of at least 10.7 as compared to control; of at least 10.8 as compared to control; of at least 11.0 as compared to control; of at least 11.2 as compared to control; of at least 11.3 as compared to control; of at least 11.5 as compared to control; of at least 11.7 as compared to control; of at least 11.8 as compared to control; of at least 12.1 as compared to control; of at least 12.3 as compared to control; of at least 12.4 as compared to control; of at least 12.9 as compared to control; of at least 13.0 as compared to control; of at least 13.6 as compared to control; of at least 14.4 as compared to control; of at least 14.5 as compared to control; of at least 16.1 as compared to control; of at least 16.6 as compared to control; of at least 16.7 as compared to control; of at least 17.1 as compared to control; of at least 19.4 as compared to control; of at least 27.3 as compared to control; or of at least 29.0 as compared to control.

In some embodiments, the collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprise variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said variable heavy chain framework regions and variable light chain framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair, wherein said germline protein pair comprises a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 10% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 15% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 20% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 25% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 30% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 35% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 40% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 45% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 50% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 55% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 60% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 65% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 70% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 80% of Fabs sampled; a value within the top 85% of Fabs sampled; or a value within the top 90% of Fabs sampled.

In other embodiments the collections of the present invention and/or methods of producing such collections comprise antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising a relative expression level in Fab format of at least 0.1 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; of at least 0.2 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; of at least 0.3 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; of at least 0.5 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; of at least 0.6 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; of at least 0.7 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; of at least 0.8 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; of at least 0.9 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; of at least 1.0 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; of at least 1.1 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; of at least 1.2 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; or of at least 1.3 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA.

In other embodiments the collections of the present invention and/or methods of producing such collections comprise antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising thermal stability at 70° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; or comprising thermal stability at 80° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format.

In other embodiments the collections of the present invention and/or methods of producing such collections comprise antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair comprising a relative expression level in IgG format of at least 0.1 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 0.2 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 0.3 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 0.5 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 0.6 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 0.7 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 0.8 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 0.9 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 1.0 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 1.1 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 1.2 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 1.3 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 1.4 as compared to MOR03080 of at least 1.5 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 1.6 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 1.7 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 1.8 as compared to MOR03080; of at least 1.9 as compared to MOR03080.

In certain aspects the present invention comprises collections and methods of producing or using the collections of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising one or more complementarity determining regions comprising germline protein sequences, substantially germline sequences or sequences derived from the germline protein sequences. In certain embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise a CDR1 and CDR2 comprising germline protein sequences. In certain embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise a CDR1 and CDR2 comprising the germline protein sequences of the germline protein pair.

In some aspects, one or more framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of the germline protein pair. As in some aspects, FR4 is selected from the group consisting of JH4, Jκ1, and Jλ2/3. As shown in FIGS. 45A-47B the germline protein sequences comprise only FR1-FR3. Therefore in certain aspects, when said variable heavy chain framework regions and variable light chain framework regions comprise germline protein sequences, the FR1, FR2 and/or FR3 comprise germline protein sequences. In some aspects, one or more framework regions comprise germline protein sequences, allowing for the diversification of one or more complementarity determining regions. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises collections and methods of producing and making said collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising a diversified HCDR3 region. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises collections and methods of producing and using said collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising a diversified LCDR3 region.

An additional aspect to the present invention is the ability of the collections to be useful in identifying antibodies or functional fragments thereof against any immunogen. It was thought that generating collections with at least two variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pairs comprising the above functional properties would provide diversity within the collection, especially within the complementarity determining regions of the antibodies of the collection, in terms of CDR length and diversity in conformations or canonical structures. This allows the collections of the present invention to be useful in identifying antibodies or functional fragments thereof against any immunogen.

Some embodiments of the invention comprise collections comprising antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein the framework regions comprise germline protein sequence of a germline gene pair comprising the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C., wherein said collection comprises antibodies of functional fragments thereof comprising at least two different germline protein pairs; at least different three germline protein pairs; at least four different germline protein pairs; at least five different germline protein pairs; at least six different germline protein pairs; at least seven different germline protein pairs; at least eight different germline protein pairs; at least nine different germline protein pairs; at least ten different germline protein pairs; at least eleven different germline protein pairs; at least twelve different germline protein pairs; at least thirteen different germline protein pairs; at least fourteen different germline protein pairs; at least fifteen different germline protein pairs; at least sixteen different germline protein pairs; at least seventeen different germline protein pairs; at least eighteen different germline protein pairs; at least nineteen different germline protein pairs; at least twenty different germline protein pairs; at least 21 different germline protein pairs; at least 22 different germline protein pairs; at least 23 different germline protein pairs; at least 24 different germline protein pairs; at least 25 different germline protein pairs; at least 26 different germline protein pairs; at least 27 different germline protein pairs; at least 28 different variable heavy chain germline protein; at least 29 different germline protein pairs sequences; at least 30 different germline protein pairs; at least 31 different germline protein pairs; at least 32 different germline protein pairs; at least 33 different germline protein pairs; at least 34 different germline protein pairs; at least 35 different germline protein pairs; at least 36 different germline protein pairs; at least 37 different germline protein pairs; at least 38 different germline protein pairs; at least 39 different germline protein pairs; at least 40 different germline protein pairs; at least 41 different germline protein pairs; at least 42 different germline protein pairs; at least 43 different germline protein pairs; at least 44 different variable heavy chain germline protein; at least 45 different germline protein pairs sequences; at least 46 different germline protein pairs; at least 47 different germline protein pairs; at least 48 different germline protein pairs; at least 49 different germline protein pairs or at least 50 different germline protein pairs.

Antibodies or Functional Fragments Thereof Comprising Germline Gene Sequences

Additionally, it was thought that utilizing germline protein sequences should lower the immunogenicity risk of the antibodies when administered to patients. Therefore, aspects of the present invention comprise collections and methods of producing and using said collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said framework regions comprise germline protein sequences. In some embodiments, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise substantially germline sequences. In some embodiments, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof are derived from germline sequences. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise FR1, FR2, FR3 and FR4 regions comprising germline protein sequences, substantially germline sequences or are derived from the germline protein sequences. In certain embodiments said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise FR1, FR2, FR3 comprising the germline protein sequences of the representative germline protein pair. In some embodiments, the FR4 region that is used is JH4 for variable heavy chain, Jκ1 for variable κ light chain, and Jλ2/3 for variable λ light chain.

Again as utilizing germline protein sequences should lower the immunogenicity risk of the antibodies when administered in patients, certain aspects of the present invention comprise collections and methods of producing or using the collections of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising one or more complementarity determining regions comprising germline protein sequences, substantially germline sequences or are derived from the germline protein sequences. In certain embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise a CDR1 and CDR2 comprising germline protein sequences. In certain embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise a CDR1 and CDR2 comprising the germline protein sequences of the germline protein pair.

In some aspects, one or more framework regions comprise germline protein sequences, allowing for the diversification of one or more complementarity determining regions. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises collections and methods of producing and making said collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising a diversified HCDR3 region. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises collections and methods of producing and using said collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising a diversified LCDR3 region. CDRs can be designed by methods well known in the art including those disclosed in Knappik et al. 2000; WO 97/08320; WO2008053275; WO2009036379 WO2007056441; WO2009114815, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Additionally, in order to generate collections comprising antibodies or functional fragments thereof having a low risk of immunogenicity, in certain aspects the collection of the present invention and methods of producing and using the same, comprise antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising human sequences.

In some aspects, the collection of the invention comprises at least 1×10⁴; at least 1×10⁵; at least 1×10⁶; at least 1×10⁷; at least 1×10⁸; at least 1×10⁹; at least 1×10¹⁰; or at least 1×10¹¹ nucleic acid sequences encoding antibodies or functional fragments thereof or antibodies or functional fragments thereof.

In some aspects, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof of the collections are synthetic.

In some aspects, the collections comprise nucleic acids encoding the antibodies or functional fragments thereof.

Additional Embodiments of the Present Invention

In some aspects, the present invention comprises a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said variable heavy chain framework regions and variable light chain framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair,

wherein said germline protein pair comprises the following properties:

-   -   i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value         within the top 75% of Fabs sampled;     -   ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as         compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA;     -   iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes         in Fab format;     -   iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater         than ten days at 37° C.;     -   v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared         to MOR03080; and     -   vi) stability in serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37°         C.;

wherein said collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprises germline protein sequences of at least two different germline protein pairs, and

wherein said germline protein pair is encoded by a germline gene pair.

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a collection synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, wherein said variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions consist essentially of germline protein sequences of the germline protein pairs comprising the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled;

-   -   ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as         compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA;     -   iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes         in Fab format;     -   iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater         than ten days at 37° C.;     -   v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared         to MOR03080; and     -   vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at         37° C.

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, wherein said variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions consist of germline protein sequences of the germline protein pairs comprising the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA;

-   -   iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes         in Fab format;     -   iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater         than ten days at 37° C.;     -   v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared         to MOR03080; and     -   vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at         37° C.

In some embodiments, said germline gene pairs are present at a concentration of at least 0.05% in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, said germline gene pairs are present at a concentration of at least 0.23% in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, said germline gene pairs are present at a concentration of at least 0.51% in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, said germline gene pairs are present at a concentration of at least 0.07% in the naïve human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, said germline gene pairs are present at a concentration of at least 0.52% in the naïve human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, said germline gene pairs are present at a concentration of at least 0.88% in the naïve human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise human sequences. In some embodiments, said collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprises germline protein sequences of at least seventeen different germline protein pairs.

In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise one or more complementarity determining regions comprising germline protein sequences. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, and FR3 regions comprising germline protein sequences. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise a FR4 region selected from the group consisting of: JH4, Jκ1, and Jλ2/3. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise a diversified HCDR3 region. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise a diversified LCDR3 region.

In some embodiments, the collection comprises 1×10⁴ antibodies or functional fragments thereof. In some embodiments, said germline protein pairs comprise a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 60% of Fabs sampled. In some embodiments, said germline protein pairs comprise an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.6 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA. In some embodiments, said germline protein pairs comprise thermal stability at 70° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format. In some embodiments, said germline protein pairs comprise an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.6 as compared to MOR03080.

In some embodiments, the variable heavy and variable light chain framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair selected from the group consisting of: IGHV3-23/IGKV1-5; IGHV3-23/IGKV3-20; IGHV4-39/IGKV3-15; IGHV3-23/IGKV3-15; IGHV4-39/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV1-18/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-30/IGKV3-20; IGHV4-39/IGKV1-5; IGHV1-69/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV5-51/IGLV 1-40; IGHV4-39/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-23/IGLV 2-14; IGHV4-39/IGLV 3-21; IGHV3-23/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV3-30/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV1-69/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-48/IGKV3-20; IGHV1-2/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-30/IGKV4-1; IGHV5-51/IGLV 2-14; IGHV5-51/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-7/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV3-7/IGKV1-5; IGHV3-15/IGKV3-20; IGHV4-39/IGLV 2-14; IGHV3-23/IGKV3-11; IGHV3-30/IGKV1-5; IGHV3-30/IGKV3-15; IGHV3-21/IGKV1-5; IGHV3-21/IGKV3-15; IGHV3-30/IGLV 1-51; IGHV3-21/IGLV 1-51; and IGHV1-69/IGKV3-11.

In some embodiments, said functional fragments of said antibodies are selected from the group consisting of Fab, F(ab′)2, Fab′, Fv, and scFv.

In some aspects, the present invention comprises a collection of nucleic acids encoding the disclosed collections of antibodies. In some aspects, the present invention comprises a vector comprising the nucleic acids encoding the disclosed collections of antibodies. In some aspects, the present invention comprises a recombinant host cell comprising the nucleic acids encoding the disclosed collections of antibodies. In some embodiments, the recombinant host cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In some embodiments, the recombinant host cell is E. coli or mammalian.

In some aspects, the present invention comprises a collection of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof, comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions,

wherein said framework regions comprise germline protein sequences,

wherein said germline protein sequences comprise the following properties:

-   -   i) four or less post translational modifications in the         complementarity determining regions;     -   ii) two or less methionines in the complementarity determining         regions;     -   iii) one or less unpaired cysteines;     -   iv) one or less potential T-cell epitopes;     -   v) an intermediate or low propensity for aggregation; and     -   vi) an isoelectric point of at least 7.5; and

wherein said collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprises at least two different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences,

wherein said germline protein sequence is encoded by a germline gene sequence.

In some embodiments, said variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline gene sequences are present at a concentration of at least 0.5% in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments,

said collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprises at least five different variable heavy chain germline protein sequences. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise human sequences. In some embodiments, said variable heavy chain or variable light chain germline gene sequences are present at a concentration of at least 5.0% in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise one or more complementarity determining regions comprising germline protein sequences. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, and FR3 comprising germline protein sequences. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise a FR4 region selected from the group consisting of: JH4, Jκ1, and Jλ2/3. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof further comprise a diversified HCDR3 region. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof further comprise a diversified LCDR3 region. In some embodiments, the collection comprises 1×10⁴ antibodies or functional fragments thereof.

In some embodiments, said variable heavy chain germline protein sequences are selected from the group consisting of: IGHV3-23; IGHV3-30; IGHV4-39; IGHV4-34; IGHV4-59; IGHV1-69; IGHV5-51; IGHV3-7; IGHV1-18; IGHV3-48; IGHV3-15; IGHV3-21; IGHV1-2; IGHV3-33; IGHV4-31; IGHV3-53; IGHV3-11; IGHV3-9; IGHV4-4; IGHV1-46; IGHV3-74; IGHV1-24; IGHV4-61; IGHV1-8; IGHV1-3; IGHV3-49; IGHV3-43; IGHV4-28; IGHV3-64; and IGHV7-81.

In some embodiments, the variable κ light chain germline protein sequences are selected from the group consisting of: IGKV3-20; IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGKV1-5; IGKV3-15; IGKV4-1; IGKV3-11; IGKV2-28/2D-28; IGKV1-33/1D-33; IGKV2-30; IGKV1-9; IGKV1-17; IGKV1-27; IGKV1-8; IGKV1-16; IGKV1-6; IGKV1-12; IGKV2D-29; IGKV1-13; IGKV1D-8; and IGKV2-24.

In some embodiments, the variable λ light chain germline protein sequences are selected from the group consisting of: IGLV2-14; IGLV1-40; IGLV1-44; IGLV1-51; IGLV2-23; IGLV3-21; IGLV1-47; IGLV3-1; IGLV2-11; IGLV2-8; IGLV6-57; IGLV3-25; IGLV7-46; IGLV1-36; IGLV7-43; IGLV9-49; IGLV4-69; IGLV2-18; IGLV3-10; and IGLV3-27.

In some aspects, the present invention comprises a method of producing the disclosed collections of synthetic antibodies or functional fragments thereof. In some embodiments, the steps of producing further comprises generating a collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions,

wherein said variable heavy chain framework regions and variable light chain framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair,

wherein said germline protein pair comprises the following properties:

-   -   i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value         within the top 75% of Fabs sampled;     -   ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as         compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA;     -   iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes         in Fab format;     -   iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater         than ten days at 37° C.;     -   v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared         to MOR03080; and     -   vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at         37° C.; and

wherein said collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprises at least two different germline protein pairs.

In some embodiments, the step of producing further comprises the steps of

a) obtaining data comprising the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs present in the human immune repertoire;

b) identifying the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pairs comprising the following properties:

-   -   i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value         within the top 75% of Fabs sampled;     -   ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as         compared to Fab pMx11_FH VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA;     -   iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes         in Fab format;     -   iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater         than ten days at 37° C.;     -   v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared         to MOR3080; and     -   vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at         37° C.; and

c) generating a collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein sequences of the germline protein pairs identified in step b).

In some embodiments, step b) further comprises the steps of

ba) identifying the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs present at a concentration of at least 0.05% in the human immune repertoire;

bb) generating antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising the germline protein pairs identified in step ba); and

bc) evaluating the following properties of said germline protein pairs:

-   -   i) relative display rate in Fab format;     -   ii) expression level in Fab format;     -   iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more in Fab format;     -   iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater         than ten days at 37° C.;     -   v) expression level in IgG format; and     -   vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at         37° C.

In some embodiments, step a) further comprises the following steps:

aa) isolating human B cells from a sample;

ab) generating cDNAs from the B cells;

ac) PCR amplifying the cDNAs from the B cells;

ad) sequencing the PCR products;

ae) identifying the germline genes of each PCR product.

In some embodiments, the step of generating a collection further comprises the following steps: ca) synthesizing the nucleic acids encoding the antibodies or functional fragments thereof; cb) cloning the nucleic acids into a vector;

cc) expressing the antibodies or functional fragments thereof.

In some embodiments, said germline gene pairs are present at a concentration of at least 0.05% in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, said germline gene pairs are present at a concentration of at least 0.23% in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, said germline gene pairs are present at a concentration of at least 0.51% in the human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, said germline gene pairs are present at a concentration of at least 0.07% in the naïve human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, said germline gene pairs are present at a concentration of at least 0.52% in the naïve human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, said germline gene pairs are present at a concentration of at least 0.88% in the naïve human immune repertoire. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise human sequences. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise germline protein sequences of at least seventeen different germline protein pairs. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise one or more complementarity determining regions comprising germline protein sequences.

In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, and FR3 comprising germline protein sequences. In some embodiments, said antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise a FR4 region selected from the group consisting of: JH4, Jκ1, and Jλ2/3. In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise a diversified HCDR3 region. In some embodiments, the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprise a diversified LCDR3 region. In some embodiments, the collection comprises 1×10⁴ antibodies or functional fragments thereof.

In some embodiments, said germline protein pairs comprise a relative display in Fab format comprising a value within the top 60% of Fabs sampled. In some embodiments, said germline protein pairs comprise an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.6 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA. In some embodiments, said germline protein pairs comprise thermal stability at 70° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format. In some embodiments, said germline protein pairs comprise an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.6 as compared to MOR03080.

In some embodiments, the variable heavy and light chain framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair selected from the group consisting of: IGHV3-23/IGKV1-5; IGHV3-23/IGKV3-20; IGHV4-39/IGKV3-15; IGHV3-23/IGKV3-15; IGHV4-59/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV4-39/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV4-59/IGKV3-20; IGHV1-18/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-30/IGKV3-20; IGHV4-39/IGKV1-5; IGHV1-69/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV5-51/IGLV 1-40; IGHV3-23/IGKV4-1; IGHV4-39/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-23/IGLV 2-14; IGHV4-39/IGLV 3-21; IGHV3-23/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV3-30/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV3-30/IGKV3-11; IGHV1-69/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-48/IGKV3-20; IGHV1-2/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-30/IGKV4-1; IGHV5-51/IGLV 2-14; IGHV4-59/IGKV4-1; IGHV5-51/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-7/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV3-7/IGKV1-5; IGHV3-15/IGKV3-20; IGHV4-39/IGLV 2-14; IGHV4-39/IGLV 2-8; IGHV3-23/IGKV3-11; IGHV3-30/IGKV1-5; IGHV3-30/IGKV3-15; IGHV3-21/IGKV1-5; IGHV3-21/IGKV3-15; IGHV3-30/IGLV 1-51; IGHV3-21/IGLV 1-51; IGHV3-53/IGLV 1-44; IGHV4-59/IGKV3-15; IGHV5-51/IGKV4-1; IGHV1-69/IGKV4-1; and IGHV1-69/IGKV3-11.

In some aspects, said functional fragments of said antibodies are selected from the group consisting of Fab, F(ab′)2, Fab′, Fv, and scFv.

In some aspects, the present invention comprises an isolated nucleic acid encoding a signal or leader sequence comprising a C-terminal restriction site. In some embodiments, the restriction site is NheI. In some embodiments, the signal or leader sequence comprises phoA or a human heavy chain leader sequence. In some embodiments, the restriction site is NdeI. In some embodiments, the signal sequence comprises ompA or a human kappa leader sequence.

In some aspects, the present invention comprises a vector comprising the nucleic acids encoding the signal or leader sequence comprising a C-terminal restriction site. In some aspects, the present invention comprises a host cell comprising the vector. In some embodiments, the host cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In some embodiments, the host cell is E. coli. In some embodiments, the host cell is mammalian.

In some aspects, the present invention comprises an isolated antibody or functional fragment thereof, comprising a FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, and FR3 comprising germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair,

wherein the germline protein pair is selected from the group consisting of: IGHV3-23/IGKV1-5; IGHV3-23/IGKV3-20; IGHV4-39/IGKV3-15; IGHV3-23/IGKV3-15; IGHV4-39/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV1-18/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-30/IGKV3-20; IGHV4-39/IGKV1-5; IGHV1-69/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV5-51/IGLV 1-40; IGHV4-39/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-23/IGLV 2-14; IGHV4-39/IGLV 3-21; IGHV3-23/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV3-30/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV1-69/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-48/IGKV3-20; IGHV1-2/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-30/IGKV4-1; IGHV5-51/IGLV 2-14; IGHV5-51/IGKV3-20; IGHV3-7/IGKV1-39/1D-39; IGHV3-7/IGKV1-5; IGHV3-15/IGKV3-20; IGHV4-39/IGLV 2-14; IGHV3-23/IGKV3-11; IGHV3-30/IGKV1-5; IGHV3-30/IGKV3-15; IGHV3-21/IGKV1-5; IGHV3-21/IGKV3-15; IGHV3-30/IGLV 1-51; IGHV3-21/IGLV 1-51; and IGHV1-69/I.

In one aspect, the present disclosure describes collections of antibodies comprising variable heavy and light chain framework regions comprising germline sequences, specifically FR1. It is expected that having germline framework regions shall lower the immunogenicity risk of the antibodies when administered to patients. Restriction sites, however, must be used in order to enable standard cloning of the nucleic acids encoding the collections of antibodies into display and/or expression vectors so that the antibodies can be screened against immunogens. In the past, restriction sites utilized for cloning were often located within the framework regions, thus modifying the nucleic acid sequence away from germline. In order to ensure that at least the framework 1 (FR1) region of each of the antibodies of the present disclosure maintain a germline sequence, there should not be any non-naturally occurring restriction sites within FR1. Therefore, an aspect of the present disclosure is the incorporation of a restriction site within the C-terminus of prokaryotic signal sequences and a human leader sequence, specifically within the three C-terminal residues. Additionally, the signal sequence and leader sequence comprising a restriction site must be functional and allow for good display and expression levels of the antibodies or fragments thereof in both prokaryotic and mammalian expression systems.

In some aspects, the present invention comprises an isolated nucleic acid encoding a signal or leader sequence comprising a C-terminal restriction site. In some embodiments the restriction site is NheI or NdeI. In some embodiments the signal or leader sequence comprises phoA or a human heavy chain leader sequence. In some embodiments the signal or leader sequence comprises ompA or a human kappa leader sequence. In some aspects, the present invention comprises a vector comprising the isolated nucleic acid encoding a signal or leader sequence comprising a C-terminal restriction site. In some aspects, the present invention comprises a host cell comprising the isolated nucleic acid encoding a signal or leader sequence comprising a C-terminal restriction site or the vector comprising the isolated nucleic acid encoding a signal or leader sequence comprising a C-terminal restriction site. In some embodiments, the host cell according is prokaryotic, e.g. E. coli, or eukaryotic, e.g. mammalian.

The present disclosure is the first to disclose the concept that the VH and VL class pairs that are most prevalent in a naïve human immune repertoire likely have preferred characteristics, such as, greater stability, and lower immunogenicity. The present disclosure is also first to incorporate this concept into collection design and utilize total gene synthesis to generate such collections. The present disclosure enables methods of identifying the VH and VL class pairs in the naïve and antigen-experienced human immune repertoires, determining the VH and VL class pairs that are most prevalent and then generating collections comprising those VH and VL class pairs. More specifically, the collections of the present disclosure comprise the most prevalent and/or preferred VH and VL class pairings with highly diversified CDRs. This strategy increases the probability that the collections comprise antibodies or fragments thereof against any immunogen that are stable, have low immunogenicity and high affinity for the specific antigen. The result is a dramatically increased probability that the collections comprise highly efficacious antibodies or fragments thereof against any immunogen that can be used for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.

Accordingly, nucleic acid sequences (or a selected portion thereof) encoding antibodies or fragments thereof obtained from the naïve B cells from human hosts can be sequenced. From these sequence data, germline family VH/VL chain class pairings represented in the immune repertoire can be identified. Based upon certain criteria, such as prevalence and/or favorable biophysical properties, the heavy and light chain class pairs are selected for incorporation into collections. The collections can be then synthesized by gene synthesis. In some embodiments, the synthetic collections comprise substantially germline VH and VL framework regions, wherein the CDRs are diversified, or only one CDR of a VH and/or VL is diversified.

Using the DNA sequences obtained from naïve B cells of human hosts as a “template,” the present disclosure enables methods of identifying the most prevalent VH and VL pairs. Once, the relative abundance of VH and VL class pairings have been elucidated, a highly diverse collection of antibodies or fragments thereof comprising the most prevalent and/or preferred VH and VL class pairings can be generated. Using this information, the skilled worker can generate a high degree of diversity without sacrificing the key benefits attributable to the most prevalent and/or preferred VH and VL class pair combinations. Prior to the present disclosure, no one has elucidated the most prevalent and/or preferred VH and VL class pairings or attempted to harness that knowledge into library generation techniques. This approach, therefore, provides comprehensive collections of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof that represent the naïve, human immune system.

Utilizing the collection design and display methods disclosed herein, large diversity collections can be generated, as some embodiments comprise collections of at least 1×10″ members.

In some aspects, the present disclosure enables vectors and host cells comprising the disclosed collections of nucleic acids.

In some aspects, the present disclosure enables methods of producing such collections.

In some embodiments, the naïve DNA sequences representative of the human immune repertoire are obtained in a separate step, and stored in a database; therefore, the collection design can be readily modified, optimized and customized in silico, allowing for a level of customization that can typically be realized in a synthetic library.

In some aspects, the present disclosure enables methods of identifying antibodies or fragments thereof using the disclosed collections.

In some aspects, the present invention is directed to collections or libraries encoding antibodies, or fragments thereof, comprising the germline protein sequences encoded by the VH and VL germline families and/or genes that are abundant and/or preferred in the immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof are germline, substantially germline, or codon-optimized variants thereof. Such collections or libraries may comprise the VH and VL germline families and/or genes having advantageous biophysical properties, including highly displayed on phage; high expression in E. coli in Fab format; high expression in mammalian cells in IgG format; high thermal stability; serum stability; low tendency for aggregation (i.e. high solubility); and low risk of immunogenicity. In some embodiments, the collections or libraries may comprise the VH and VL germline families and/or genes that exist in the naïve human immune repertoire. Related embodiments include methods of making and using such collections.

In some aspects, the present invention is directed to collections or libraries encoding antibodies, or fragments thereof, comprising the germline protein sequences encoded by the VH and VL germline families and/or genes that are abundant and/or preferred in the immune repertoire along with the VH/VL class pairs that are abundant and/or preferred in the immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof are germline, substantially germline, or codon-optimized variants thereof. Such collections or libraries may comprise the germline protein sequences encoded by the VH and VL germline families and/or genes and/or the VH/VL class pairs having advantageous biophysical properties, including highly displayed on phage; high expression in E. coli in Fab format; high expression in mammalian cells in IgG format; high thermal stability; serum stability; low tendency for aggregation (i.e. high solubility); and low risk of immunogenicity. In some embodiments, the collections or libraries may comprise the germline protein sequences encoded by the VH and VL germline families and/or genes and/or the VH/VL class pairs that exist in the naïve human immune repertoire. Related embodiments include methods of making and using such collections.

Accordingly, the present invention includes collections of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof substantially representative of an immune repertoire, wherein each antibody or fragment thereof comprises a VH/VL class pair, wherein substantially representative of an immune repertoire is such that each VH/VL class pair present in the collection is a VH/VL class pair present at a concentration of at least 0.05%, at least 1%, or at least 2% of the VH/VL class pairs in the immune repertoire. The immune repertoire may be of an individual, or population, and may be naïve. Such an immune repertoire may be determined as that of the VH/VL class pairs in at least 1×10⁵ B cells from an individual; the VH/VL class pairs in at least 1×10⁵ B cells from a population of individuals; or the VH/VL class pairs present in at least 1×10⁵ antibodies, for example. The immune repertoire may be that of naïve B cells or of antigen experienced B cells. The individual or population may be human. The immune repertoire may be determined by analyzing publically available databases and/or literature.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof are synthetic, such as, generated by total gene synthesis. In related embodiments, the nucleic acids are germline sequences; substantially germline sequences; or codon optimized variants of germline or substantially germline sequences. In some embodiments at least one of the CDRs is highly diversified.

In some embodiments, the collection of the present disclosure comprises antibodies or fragments thereof wherein FR1, FR2 and FR3 of both the VH and VL comprise the germline protein sequences of the VH and VL class pairs having preferred characteristics. Most preferably, the collection of the present disclosure comprises antibodies or fragments thereof wherein FR1, FR2 and FR3 of both the VH and VL comprise the germline protein sequences of the VH and VL class pairs having preferred characteristics, wherein the CDR3 of both VH and VL are highly diversified.

In related embodiments, the collection of said nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof is cloned into a vector. Suitable vectors are known in the art, and include displays vector, such as phage display vectors, plasmid vectors, a phagemid vectors, expression vectors, including bacterial or mammalian expression vector. In further related embodiments, the collection, or the collection cloned into vectors, are transformed into host cells. Thus, the invention includes a collection of host cells. Suitable host cells include prokaryotic host cells (such as E. coli) and eukaryotic host cells (such as mammalian host cells).

In another embodiment, the invention is a database comprising VH/VL class pairs from ˜1345 naïve human B cells or from publically available sequences on a readable medium. Such a database is useful for the design and construction of the collection and libraries of the invention.

The invention also includes methods of producing a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof substantially representative of an immune repertoire. The immune repertoire may be that of naïve B cells or of antigen experienced B cells of a human or humans. Such a method may comprise the following steps: (a) identifying VH/VL class pairs present at a concentration of at least 0.05%, at least 1%, or at least 2% of the VH/VL class pairs in the immune repertoire; (b) synthesizing a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising VH/VL class pairs present at a concentration of at least 0.05%, at least 1%, or at least 2% of the VH/VL class pairs in the immune repertoire.

The step of identifying may be carried out in different ways. For example, identifying VH/VL class pairs may comprise isolating naive B-cells from one or more human hosts and determining the VH/VL class pairs in each B-cell by isolating and sequencing the DNA, mRNA or cDNA encoding the VH/VL class pairs, or by probing with one or more nucleic acid probes specific for each VH and VL, and then analyzing the VH/VL class pairs. In an alternative or complementary embodiment, the VH/VL class pairs may be determined from pre-existing databases, such as databases of antibody sequences. In an alternative or complementary embodiment, the VH/VL class pairs may be identified from literature. Thus, in one embodiment, the invention comprises obtaining antibody nucleic acid sequences (either pre-existing or generated de novo), determining the VH/VL class pairs by sequence alignment, and collating such sequences from to identify VH/VL class pairs present in the immune repertoire.

In some embodiments, the method is used to create collections in which the majority of members have favorable biophysical properties that facilitate production and expression of antibodies or fragments thereof (such as on phage, or from cells), and produce antibodies that are soluble, thermally stable. More particularly, such properties include: (i) efficiently displayed on phage; (ii) efficiently displayed on mammalian cells (iii) well expressed in E. coli in Fab format; (iv) well expressed in mammalian cells in an IgG format; (v) thermal stability; (vi) solubility; and (vii) low immunogenicity. By determining the VH/VL class pairs having some, or all of these properties, one may then construct a collection in which the majority of members have such biophysical properties, such as by synthesizing only those nucleic acids with such properties. Accordingly, the invention includes such a collection, and methods of making such a collection.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acids synthesized are germline, substantially germline, or codon-optimized variants thereof. Variation may be introduced into at least one complementarity determining region (CDR). Any CDR is appropriate, especially CDR3. Preferably, the sequence variation added to the CDR is limited to sequences in frame and free from cysteines and stop codons, thus ensuring that all members of the library are correctly expressed.

Once the nucleic acids have been synthesized, they may be cloned into a vector (such as a display vector, a phage display vector; a phagemid vector; or a mammalian expression vector), and may be transformed into a host cell. Suitable host cells include prokaryotic host cells (e.g. E. coli) and eukaryotic host cells (e.g. mammalian host cells).

In further embodiments, the invention provides methods of identifying an antibody specific for an immunogen. Such a method may comprise, in one embodiment, identifying VH/VL class pairs present at a concentration of at least 0.05%, at least 1%, or at least 2% of the VH/VL class pairs in the immune repertoire; synthesizing a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising VH/VL class pairs present at a concentration of at least 0.05%, at least 1%, or at least 2% of the VH/VL class pairs in the immune repertoire; displaying or expressing the antibody or fragment thereof from the collection; screening the collection against a specific immunogen; and selecting at least one antibody or fragment thereof specific for said immunogen. Because the methods and collections of the invention may be constructed with regard to favorable biophysical properties, the present invention is particularly useful for identifying an antibody or antibody fragment thereof for the treatment of a disease or condition, by making a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof with such favorable properties, and screening against a specific immunogen to identify antibodies binding to such an immunogen.

In some aspects, the invention is directed to collections or libraries of antibodies or fragments thereof comprising VH/VL pairs. In some embodiments, the collections or libraries of antibodies or fragments thereof comprise the germline protein sequences encoded by the VH and VL germline families and/or genes that are abundant in an immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to collections or libraries of antibodies or fragments thereof comprising the germline protein sequences encoded by the VH and VL germline families and/or genes having certain favorable biophysical characteristics. In some embodiments, the VH and VL germline families and/or genes are those that naturally occur in the immune repertoire, and are among the more abundant or prevalent in the repertoire. In some embodiments, the collections or libraries of antibodies or fragments thereof comprise the germline protein sequences encoded by the VH and VL germline families and/or genes. In some embodiments, the collections or libraries of antibodies or fragments thereof comprise the framework regions and/or CDR regions from the germline, substantially germline, or codon optimized the VH and VL germline families and/or genes. In some embodiments, the collections or libraries of antibodies or fragments thereof comprise the germline protein sequences encoded by the VH and VL germline families and/or genes that are synthetic, being constructed by total gene synthesis. In some embodiments, the collections or libraries of antibodies or fragments thereof comprise portions of the VH and VL germline families and/or genes that are synthetic, being constructed by total gene synthesis. In some embodiments, the collections or libraries of antibodies or fragments thereof comprise the germline protein sequences encoded by the VH and VL germline families and/or genes having favorable biophysical properties that aid in the screening and further development of the antibodies, especially in the therapeutic context. The favorable biophysical properties include, but are not limited to (i) they are well displayed on phage in the Fab-format, (ii) they are well displayed on mammalian cells in the IgG format (iii) they are expressed in high amounts in Fab-format, e.g., in E. Coli, and IgG formats, e.g., in mammalian cells, (iv) are thermodynamically stable; (v) have high serum stability, (vi) have a low tendency for aggregation (i.e. high solubility); and (vii) have a low risk of immunogenicity.

In other aspects, the collections of the present disclosure comprise antibodies or fragments thereof comprising the germline protein sequences of the preferred VH and VL class pairs. The collections of the present disclosure preferably comprise antibodies or fragments thereof, wherein one or more framework regions comprise the germline protein sequences encoded by the VH and VL class pairs having preferred characteristics, especially wherein FR1, FR2 and FR3 of both the VH and VL comprise the germline protein sequences of the VH and VL class pairs having preferred characteristics. The CDRs may be highly diversified. Preferably, the CDR3 of both VH and VL are highly diversified. In some embodiments, the CDR1 and CDR2 of the VH and/or VL are germline or substantially germline in sequence.

This strategy increases the probability that the collections of the present disclosure comprise antibodies or fragments thereof against any immunogen that are able to be developed for therapeutic use, as the majority of the antibodies or fragments thereof present in the collections comprise the germline sequences of the VH and VL pairs having the above preferred characteristics. The selected antibodies also will have low immunogenicity and high affinity for the specific antigen. The result is a dramatically increased probability that antibodies or fragments thereof that are selected from the disclosed collections are highly efficacious against any immunogen and can be developed for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.

Such collections overcome many of the problems of the prior art. For example, in a cognate library derived from B cells the VH and VL class pairings present in the library are dependent upon the class pairings present in the sample. If a large enough sample of B cells is taken, each of the approximately 50 VH and 50 VL class pairing combinations (˜2500) will be present. The presence of so many VH and VL class pairs can be analogized to background noise. It may be desirable to generate libraries of large diversity comprising only the most prevalent VH and VL class pairs, but with a cognate library approach, this is not possible.

In addition, in some embodiments, the DNA sequences from which the collections are based are obtained from samples of naïve B cells that are antigen inexperienced, therefore, the expressed members are not biased towards a particular immunogen and the collections can be used to screen against any immunogen.

Accordingly, nucleic acid sequences (or a selected portion thereof) encoding antibodies or fragments thereof obtained from the naïve (antigen inexperienced) B cells from human hosts can be sequenced. From these sequence data, germline family VH/VL chain class pairings predominantly represented in the immune repertoire can be identified. Based upon certain criteria, such as prevalence, the heavy and light chain class pairs are selected for incorporation into collections. The collections can be then synthesized by gene synthesis. In some embodiments, the synthetic collections comprise substantially germline VH and VL framework regions, wherein the CDRs are diversified.

Using the DNA sequences obtained from, for example, naïve (antigen inexperienced) B cells from human hosts or from publically available databases or literature as a “template,” the present disclosure enables methods of identifying the most prevalent VH and VL germline families and/or genes and/or class pairs. Once, the relative abundance of the VH and VL germline families and/or genes and/or class pairs have been elucidated, antibodies or fragments thereof comprising the germline protein sequences encoded by the VH and VL germline families and/or genes and/or class pairs can be tested for the following preferred characteristics: (i) they are well displayed on phage in the Fab-format, (ii) they are expressed in high amounts and in soluble form in Fab-format, and IgG formats, (iii) and they are thermodynamically stable. By testing the germline protein sequences encoded by the most prevalent VH and VL germline families and/or genes and/or class pairs, those having preferred characteristics can be identified. Using this information, the skilled worker can generate a high degree of diversity without sacrificing the key benefits attributable to the most prevalent VH and VL germline families and/or genes and/or class pair combinations.

Utilizing the collection design and display methods disclosed herein, large diversity collections can be generated, as some embodiments comprise collections of at least 1×10″ members.

The present disclosure relates generally to synthetic antibody collections comprising the VH and VL class pair having the most preferred characteristics. In some embodiments, the collections comprise the germline protein sequences encoded by the VH and VL families represented by the class pair.

The present disclosure relates generally to synthetic antibody collections comprising one or more VH and VL class pairs having the preferred characteristics. In some aspects, the collections comprise the germline protein sequences encoded by the VH and VL families represented by the class pair.

In some aspect, the present disclosure enables methods of identifying the VH and VL germline genes that are most prevalent in an immune repertoire, testing the antibodies having the sequences of the most prevalent VH and VL germline genes to identify the VH and VL germline genes having preferred characteristics and then generating collections comprising the preferred VH and VL classes. The present disclosure enables methods of identifying the VH and VL class pairs in the human immune repertoire, which may be naïve, determining the VH and VL class pairs that are most prevalent, testing the VH and VL class pairs to identify VH and VL class pairs having preferred characteristics and then generating collections comprising the preferred VH and VL class pairs and/or antibodies derived from the preferred VH and VL germline genes. Once the VH and VL's and/or VH and VL class pairs are identified then their respective germline sequences are identified, so that the germline sequences can be incorporated into the collection design.

In some aspects, the present disclosure enables vectors and host cells comprising the disclosed collections of nucleic acids.

In some aspects, the present disclosure enables methods of producing such collections.

In some embodiments, the DNA sequences representative of the human immune repertoire are obtained in a separate step, and stored in a database; therefore, the collection design can be readily modified, optimized and customized in silico, allowing for a level of customization that can typically be realized in a synthetic library.

In some aspects, the present disclosure enables methods of identifying antibodies or fragments thereof using the disclosed collections.

Methods, Nucleic Acids, Proteins, Vector, Host Cell

In one aspect, the present disclosure enables collections of nucleic acids produced by total gene synthesis. Gene synthesis technology has advanced considerably in the recent years and very large collections of nucleic acids can be generated. The following companies provide such synthesis services: Entelechon (Regensburg, Germany), Geneart (Regensburg, Germany) and Sloning Biotechnology (Puchheim, Germany). In order for a gene synthesis company to generate a collection, the sequences of each member of the collection may be provided.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure enables a collection of synthetic nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising VH and VL class pairs present at a concentration of at least 0.05% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ B cells. In other embodiments, the collections of the present disclosure comprise VH and VL class pairs present at a concentration of at least 1% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ B cells. In other embodiments, the collections of the present disclosure comprise VH and VL class pairs present at a concentration of at least 1.5% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ B cells. In other embodiments, the collections of the present disclosure comprise VH and VL class pairs present at a concentration of at least 2% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ B cells. In other embodiments, the collections of the present disclosure comprise VH and VL class pairs present at a concentration of at least 3% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ B cells. In other embodiments, the collections of the present disclosure comprise VH and VL class pairs present at a concentration of at least 4% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ B cells. In other embodiments, the collections of the present disclosure comprise VH and VL class pairs present at a concentration of at least 5% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ B cells.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure enables collections, wherein the VH and VL class pairs are identified from B cells isolated from a human host. In some embodiments, the B cells are naive. In some embodiments, the collections of nucleic acids encode antibodies or fragments thereof comprising germline VH and VL framework regions. In a preferred embodiment collections of nucleic acids are synthesized to include germline VH and VL framework regions with diversified CDRs. Germline frameworks regions are desirable as antibodies or fragments thereof comprising germline framework regions are not likely to be immunogenic.

Utilizing the collection design and display methods disclosed herein, large diversity collections can be generated, as some embodiments comprise collections of at least 1×10⁴ nucleic acid sequences, some embodiments comprise collections of at least 1×10⁵, 10⁶, 10⁷, 10⁸, 10⁹, 10¹⁰ 10¹¹ or 10¹² nucleic acid sequences. Such diversity is generated by synthesizing collections comprising members comprising the prevalent VH and VL class pairs with diversified CDRs.

The collections of the present disclosure are designed from sequence data substantially representative of an immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the sequence data is obtained by searching publically available immunoglobulin sequence listings. For example, NCBI can be searched using Ig-Blast or publically available literature can be searched. As of 2005 the database contained at least 25,000 rearranged human antibody sequences in FASTA format. Of the 22,500 entries, 13,235 represented VH sequences, 1,506 represented Vκ and 2,259 represented Vλ. From the sequences the VH, Vκ and Vλ can be categorized into their respective germline families and/or genes. As some of Ig-Blast includes full antibody sequences, the correct germline families and/or genes of each VH and VL domain class pairings can be determined from the database sequences. If this approach is utilized, the prominence of each VH and VL germline family and/or gene, and/or the germline family and/or gene of each VH and VL domain class pair can readily be determined by one of skill in the art. The selection of which VH and VL's and/or VH and VL class pairs to incorporate into the library can be accomplished in a number of ways. In some embodiments, the VH and VL's of highest prevalence are selected for incorporation into the collection or library. In some embodiments, the VH and VL's having favorable biophysical properties are selected for incorporation into the collection or library. In some embodiments, the VH and VL class pairs having the highest prevalence are selected for incorporation into the collection or library. In some embodiments, the VH and VL class pairs having favorable biophysical properties are selected for incorporation into the collection or library. In some embodiments, both the VH and VL's having the highest prevalence and/or favorable biophysical properties and/or the VH and VL class pairs having the highest prevalence and/or VH and VL class pairs having favorable biophysical properties are selected for incorporation into the collection or library.

One of the drawbacks of this approach is that the publically available databases are often populated with sequences of antibodies generated against specific immunogens, therefore the sequences are biased. In addition, in most of the databases the sequences of the heavy and light chain are not linked, therefore the VH and VL class pairing cannot be identified.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequences are obtained by harvesting B-cells from one or more hosts; isolating the DNA from the B-cells and preferably sequencing the DNA. Preferably, the B cells are naïve. Samples of B cells are harvested from one or more human donors. The following is a technique that can be used to isolate B-cells. Resting B lymphocytes (B cells) are isolated from spleens by using negative selection against other cell types with anti-CD43 and anti-Mac-1/CD11b monoclonal antibodies, e.g. via magnetic microbeads. This strategy depletes non-B cells from a mixed population of splenocytes and relies on the fact that most mature leukocytes, with the exception of resting splenic B cells, express CD43 (in fact, expression of CD43 has been demonstrated on immature B cells, plasma cells, and some mature cells, in addition to granulocytes, monocytes, macrophages, platelets, natural killer (NK) cells, thymocytes, and peripheral CD8+ and most CD4+ T cells). Anti-Mac-1/CD11b microbeads are included in the negative selection to improve the removal of myeloid cells. B-cell isolation may be automated by using an AutoMACS automatic magnetic bead cell sorter (Miltenyi Biotec). As assessed by fluorescence analysis of B220+ cells, such isolation routinely yields approximately 4×10e7 B cells per spleen that are >95% pure. See also Miltenyi S, Muller W, Weichel W, and Radbruch A. (1990) Cytometry 11(2), 231-238.

The number of B cells harvested substantially represents the immune repertoire. In some embodiments at least 1×10⁴ B cells are isolated from a host, more preferably at least 10⁵ B-cells; more preferably at least 10⁶ B cells; most preferably 10⁷ B cells are isolated from a host.

The DNA encoding antibodies and fragments thereof from each B cell are isolated, and amplified e.g., the heavy and light chain are linked by a PCR reaction. The DNA is preferably sequenced. The DNA sequenced may be cDNA generated from B cell mRNA. mRNA extraction from eukaryotic cells, such as B cells, is a well know technological procedure. Numerous protocols exist and commercial kits are available. Such as the PolyATtract® mRNA Isolation System (Promega, Madison, Wis., USA) or various RNeasy and Oligotex DirectmRNA kits (both from Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). Many of these techniques make use of the polyA tail of the eukaryotic mRNA, e.g. via affinity purification to oligo (dT) matrices, such as oligo (dT) cellulose.

cDNA can be selectively amplified from the isolated mRNA via reverse transcription using specific primers, followed by conventional PCR. Specific primers are used to amplify variable heavy and light chain domain nucleic acids. See Cancer Surv. 1997; 30:21-44, J. Clin. Pathol. 1994; 47:493-6, J. Clin. Pathol. 1990; 43:888-90 or Mol. Pathol. 2002 April; 55(2): 98-101.

The DNA coding for both the variable and light chain domains from one B cell are maintained together so that the variable domain heavy and light chain class pairing can be identified. Techniques for the isolation of nucleic acids encoding variable domain pairings from individual B cells are well known in the art. See for example, WO01/92291; WO92/15678; WO93/03151, WO2005/042774; Mullinax R L et al., 1992 Biotechniques 12:6 864-868; Chapal, N. et al. 1997 Biotechniques 23, 518-524, Embleton M J et al., 1992 Nucleic Acids Res. 20:15, 3831-3837; Coronella, J. A. et al. 2000 Nucleic Acids Res. 28:20, E85; Thirion S et al., 1996 European Journal of Cancer Prevention 5:6 507-511; and Wang, X et al. 2000 J. Immunol. Methods 20, 217-225.

These techniques can be used alone or in combination with other methods. For example, if a variable heavy and light chain domain sequences of a large sample are not successfully identified together from their respective B cells, then the following method can be completed, in order to identify the correct variable heavy and variable light domain class pairs. Single-cell PCR of each individual B cell is completed.

Preferably, the DNA from each of the B cells is sequenced. Various companies exist which are able to sequence entire genomes, such as Helicos BioSciences Corporation (Cambridge, Mass., USA). With its True Single Molecule Sequencing™ technology, Helicos is able to directly sequence single molecules of DNA or RNA at high speed and efficiency. Other companies able to perform similar sequence endeavors include Illumina (San Diego, Calif., USA; Solexa system) and Roche (Basel, CH; 454 system). No cloning steps are required prior to sequencing.

In another aspect, the disclosure enables methods of identifying the germline family of the heavy and light chain variable domain pairs present in the immune repertoire. All antibodies or fragments thereof can be traced back to their germline family using methods known to one of skill in the art. By analyzing the sequence of a nucleic acid encoding an antibody or fragment thereof, the germline family of both the VH and VL can be determined by methods known to one of skill in the art. For example, Wildt et. al, (1999) sampled B cells from 3 patients and identified 365 VH and VL class pairings. The RNA from each B cell was used for cDNA synthesis and the cDNA encoding the VH and VL regions was PCR amplified and sequenced. As shown in FIG. 1 of Wildt, certain VH and VLs classes paired more frequently than others, for example, VH3-8 with Vκ3-1, Vκ3-19, Vκ4-1, Vλ2-3, or Vλ1-2, and VH3-9 with Vκ3-1, Vκ3-3 or Vλ1-5.

In another aspect, the disclosure enables methods of designing diversified complementarity determining regions prior to synthesizing the collection. CDRs can be designed by methods well known in the art including those disclosed in Knappik et al. 2000; WO 97/08320.

In another aspect, the disclosure enables methods of selecting the variable domain class pairings desired to be included in the collections of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof. In some embodiments, a collection of nucleic acids is synthesized comprising all of the VH and VL domain class pairs identified by the disclosed methods.

In addition, the prevalence of the VH and VL class pairs may be determined by various statistical tests. In its easiest form the individual VH and VL class pairs are simply counted. More sophisticated statistical tests may take various other parameters into account. By way of non-limiting examples, the following statistical tests and references may guide as examples of the numerous approaches that have been made in such, or similar, analysis: Bayesian Shrinkage Estimation (see e.g. Biometrics 59 (2003): 476-486), DADA (Digital Analysis of cDNA Abundance, see e.g. BMC Genomics 2002, 3:7), linear modeling (Pacific Symposium on Biocomputing, 1999, 4:41-52) and various clustering methods (BMC Bioinformatics 2006, 7:397, Fourth IEEE International Conference on Data Mining (ICDM'04), pp. 403-406).

In other aspects, the present disclosure enables a collection of vectors comprising the collections of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof. In some embodiments, the vectors comprise expression vectors, display vectors, phage display vectors, or phagemid vectors.

Eukaryotic expression vectors are well known in the art and also are available commercially. Typically, such vectors are provided containing convenient restriction sites for insertion of the desired DNA. Examples of such vectors include pSVL and pKSV-10, pBPV-1/PML2d, and pTDT1 (ATCC, No. 31255).

In other aspects, the present disclosure enables a collection of host cells transformed with the disclosed collection of vectors. Host cells can be either prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Bacterial cells are preferred prokaryotic host cells and typically are a strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli) such as, for example, the E. coli strain DH5 available from Bethesda Research Laboratories, Inc., Bethesda, Md. Preferred eukaryotic host cells include yeast and mammalian cells including murine and rodents, preferably vertebrate cells such as those from a mouse, rat, monkey or human cell line.

The introduction of vectors into host cells may be accomplished by a number of transformation or transfection methods known to those skilled in the art, including calcium phosphate precipitation, electroporation, microinjection, liposome fusion, RBC ghost fusion, protoplast fusion, viral infection and the like. The production of monoclonal full-length antibodies, Fab fragments, Fv fragments and scFv fragments is well known.

Transformation of appropriate cell hosts with a recombinant DNA molecule is accomplished by methods that typically depend on the type of vector used. With regard to transformation of prokaryotic host cells, see, for example, Cohen et al., Proceedings National Academy of Science, USA, Vol. 69, P. 2110 (1972); and Maniatis et al., Molecular Cloning, a Laboratory Manual, Cold spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1982). With regard to the transformation of vertebrate cells with retroviral vectors containing rDNAs, see for example, Sorge et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 4:1730-1737 (1984); Graham et al., Virol., 52:456 (1973); and Wigler et al., Proceedings National Academy of Sciences, USA, Vol. 76, P. 1373-1376 (1979).

In another aspect, the disclosure enables a kit, or database, comprising sequence data illustrating nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising nucleic acids present in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ naïve human B cells, wherein said sequence data are on a readable medium.

In another aspect, the disclosure enables a method of producing a collection of synthetic nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof, comprising synthesizing a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising VH and VL class pairs present in a concentration of at least 0.05% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least ˜2500 B cells. In some embodiments, the disclosure enables a method of producing a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof substantially representative of an immune repertoire comprising: (a) identifying VH/VL class pairs present in a concentration of at least 0.05%, at least 1%, or at least 2% of the VH/VL class pairs in the immune repertoire; (b) synthesizing a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising VH/VL class pairs in a concentration of at least 0.05%, at least 1%, or at least 2% of the VH/VL class pairs in the immune repertoire. In some embodiments, identifying VH/VL class pairs comprises: (i) isolating B-cells from one or more human hosts; (ii) determining the VH/VL class pairs in each B-cell by a process selected from: (A) isolating and sequencing the DNA, mRNA or cDNA encoding the VH/VL class pairs; or (B) probing with one or more nucleic acid probes specific for each VH and VL; and (iii) analyzing the VH/VL class pairs. In some embodiments, identifying VH/VL class pairs comprises: (i) obtaining antibody nucleic acid sequences; (ii) determining VH/VL class pairs by sequence alignment; (iii) collating such sequences from at least 100 antibodies, to identify VH/VL class pairs present in the immune repertoire. In some embodiments, the methods comprise selecting VH/VL class pairs exhibiting at least one biophysical property selected from the group consisting of: (i) efficiently displayed on phage; (ii) efficiently displayed on mammalian cells; (iii) well expressed in E. coli in Fab format; (iv) well expressed in mammalian cells in an IgG format; (v) thermal stability; (vi) solubility; and (vii) low immunogenicity; and synthesizing of a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof exhibiting a least one of the biophysical properties. In some embodiments, the collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof is germline, substantially germline, or codon-optimized variants of germline nucleic acids. In some embodiments, during the synthesizing a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising VH/VL class pairs, sequence variation is introduced into at least one complementarity determining region (CDR). In some embodiments, the sequence variation is limited to sequences free from stop codons. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise cloning the collection of nucleic acids into a vector. In some embodiments, the vector is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a display vector, (ii) a phage display vector; (iii) a phagemid vector; and (iv) a mammalian expression vector. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise transformation into a host cell. In some embodiments, the host cells are selected from the group consisting of: (i) prokaryotic host cells; (ii) eukaryotic host cells: (iii) E. coli host cells; and (iv) mammalian host cells.

Some embodiments, further comprise inserting said nucleic acids into a collection of vectors and transforming/transfecting into a host cell and displaying the antibodies or fragments thereof. In some embodiments the vectors are expression vectors, display vectors, such as a phagemid vector. Some embodiments, further comprise transfecting said vectors into a suitable host cell. In some embodiments, the host cell is prokaryotic, such as E Coli, or eukaryotic, such as mammalian.

In another aspect, the disclosure enables a method of identifying an antibody or antibody fragments thereof specific for an immunogen, comprising the steps of synthesizing a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising VH and VL class pairs present in a concentration of at least 0.05% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least ˜2500 B cells; screening the collection against a specific immunogen; and selecting one or more antibodies or fragments thereof specific for said immunogen. Some embodiments comprise, a method of identifying an antibody or antibody fragment thereof specific for an immunogen, comprising the steps of: (a) identifying VH/VL class pairs present in a concentration of at least 0.05%, at least 1%, or at least 2% of the VH/VL class pairs in the immune repertoire; (b) synthesizing a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising VH/VL class pairs present in a concentration of at least 0.05%, at least 1%, or at least 2% of the VH/VL class pairs in the immune repertoire; (c) displaying or expressing the antibody or fragment thereof from the collection; (d) screening the collection against a specific immunogen; and (e) selecting at least one antibodies or fragment thereof specific for said immunogen. Some embodiments comprise, a method of identifying an antibody or antibody fragment thereof for the treatment of a disease or condition, comprising the steps of: (a) identifying VH/VL class pairs present in a concentration of at least 0.05%, in at least 1%, or at least 2% of the VH/VL class pairs in the immune repertoire; (b) identifying VH/VL class pairs exhibiting at least one biophysical property selected from the group consisting of: (i) efficiently displayed on phage; (ii) efficiently displayed on mammalian cells; (iii) well expressed in E. coli in Fab format; (iv) well expressed in mammalian cells in an IgG format; (v) thermal stability; (vi) solubility; and (vii) low immunogenicity; (c) synthesizing a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising VH/VL class pairs present in a concentration of at least 0.05%, in at least 1%, or at least 2% of the VH/VL class pairs in the immune repertoire and displaying the at least one biophysical property of (i)-(vii); (d) displaying or expressing the antibody or fragment thereof from the collection; (e) screening the collection against a specific immunogen associated with the disease or condition; and (f) selecting at least one antibodies or fragment thereof specific for said immunogen.

In some embodiments, the B cells are isolated from a human host. In some embodiments, the B cells are naive. In some embodiments, the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×˜2500 B cells are identified by a method comprising harvesting naïve B-cells from one or more human hosts; isolating the DNA from the B-cells harvested; and analyzing the DNA isolated. In some embodiments, the step of analyzing the DNA comprises sequencing the DNA. In some embodiments, the step of analyzing the DNA further comprises identifying the frequency that each VH and VL class pair exists in the sample.

Some embodiments further comprise inserting said nucleic acids into a collection of vectors and transforming/transfecting into a host cell, and displaying the antibodies or fragments thereof.

In another aspect, the disclosure enables a method of identifying an antibody or antibody fragments thereof specific for an immunogen, comprising the steps of synthesizing a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising VH and VL class pairs present in a concentration of at least 0.05% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least ˜2500 B cells; screening the collection against a specific immunogen; and selecting one or more antibodies or fragments thereof specific for said immunogen.

In some embodiments, the B cells are isolated from a human host. In some embodiments, the B cells are naive. In some embodiments, the VH and VL class pairs in a sample of at least ˜2500 B cells are identified by a method comprising harvesting B-cells from one or more human hosts; isolating the DNA from the B-cells harvested; and analyzing the DNA isolated. In some embodiments, the step of analyzing the DNA comprises sequencing the DNA. In some embodiments, the step of analyzing the DNA further comprises identifying the frequency that each VH and VL class pair exists in the sample.

In some embodiments a collection is displayed before testing/screening using phage, yeast, ribosomal, bacterial or eukaryotic display. In some embodiments, a collection is displayed on prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. In some embodiments, a collection is displayed in Fab or IgG format or other format known to one of skill in the art.

Screening may be performed by using one of the methods well known in the art, such as phage-display, selectively infective phage, polysome technology to screen for binding, and assay systems for enzymatic activity or protein stability. Many such methods are known to the skilled artisan and as exemplary references the following are provided: Valle R P, Curr. Opin. Drug Discov. Devel. 2003 March; 6(2):197-203; Ackermann B L Expert Rev. Proteomics. 2007 April; 4(2):175-86; and Anderson K S J Proteome Res. 2005 July-August; 4(4):1123-33.

In one embodiment, screening assays are carried out such that the binding of ligand by the antibody produces a detectable signal, either directly or indirectly. Such signals include, for example, the production of a complex, formation of a catalytic reaction product, the release or uptake of energy, and the like. Cells from a population subjected to transformation with a subject recombinant DNA can be cloned to produce monoclonal colonies, for example. Cells form those colonies can be harvested, lysed and their DNA content examined for the presence of the recombinant DNA using a method known in the art, for example, as described in Southern, J. Mol. Biol., 98:503 (1975) or Berent et al., Biotech. 3:208 (1985).

Biophysical Properties

The invention also includes collections, and methods of making such collections, in which the VH/VL class pairs have desirable biophysical properties. Favourable and desired biophysical properties include higher stability, higher expression levels and a low tendency for aggregation.

Suitable biophysical properties facilitate the use of the collection at different stages. For example, screening of the collection is facilitated if antibodies or fragments thereof are soluble and do not aggregate, and are well expressed in the screening background, such as phage. Later development of an antibody, such as for animal testing and therapeutic uses, are facilitated by properties such as antibody solubility, heat stability, high levels of expression (especially as IgG in mammalian cells), and low immunogenicity.

To ensure that all, or at least the majority, of antibodies or fragments thereof have such favorable biophysical properties, VH/VL class pairs may be screened in advance to identify which class pairs exhibit which of the properties. The library is then constructed by synthesizing nucleic acids encoding only those antibodies with such favorable biophysical properties.

Of course, not all VH/VL class pairs will exhibit all biophysical properties in the same degree, and the person of ordinary skill will determine which properties are more relevant and/or the balance of each properties in advance of determining which VH/VL class pairs are to be synthesized.

Thus, in certain aspects the present invention provides a synthetic antibody library selected for VH/VL combinations are efficiently displayed, such as on the surface of phage, or in other display technologies. Preferably all, essentially all, or substantially all VH/VL combinations are efficiently displayed. Efficiency of display can be measured by sandwich phage ELISA as described in the present invention.

In other aspects, the present invention provides a synthetic antibody library selected for VH-VL combinations that are well expressed in E. coli in Fab format. Preferably all, essentially all, or substantially all VH/VL combinations are well expressed in E. coli in Fab format. Expression in Fab format in E. coli can be quantified and is preferably more than 2 mg/L, more than 5 mg/L, more than 10 mg/L, or more than 15 mg/L in a bacterial culture. In certain aspects, all VH-VL are expressed at more than 2 mg/L, essentially all VH-VL combinations are expressed at levels of more than 5 mg/L, most VH-VL combinations are expressed at levels of more than 10 mg/L in a bacterial culture, and/or at least two, at least three, at least four or at least five VH-VL combinations are expressed at levels of more than 15 mg/L in a bacterial culture.

In certain aspects the present invention provides a synthetic antibody library selected for VH-VL combinations well expressed in a mammalian system in IgG format. The vast majority of antibody-based therapeutic biologicals currently on the market are in IgG-format for a variety of reasons: (i) the half-life of IgG molecules in the human body is very high (about 3 weeks) due to the interaction of the IgG with the neonatal receptor (FcRn); (ii) IgG molecules are highly soluble, thermodynamically stable and relatively resistant to proteases in blood; and (iii) IgG possess ADCC (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity) and/or CDC (complement-dependent cytotoxicity) activity, which are required for elimination of tumor cells. Expression of a particular VL/VH-combination in Fab-format does not necessarily correlate with the expression of the same VUVH-combination in IgG-format, and so expression and solubility of VL/VH combinations in IgG formats are also important independent factors.

The mammalian system may include, for example, a mammalian suspension culture, a mammalian adherent cell culture, HKB11 cells, PERC.6 cells, or CHO cells. Preferably all, essentially all, or substantially all VH/VL combinations are well expressed in a mammalian system in IgG format. In certain aspects the present invention provides a synthetic human antibody library wherein all VH-VL combinations are expressed at levels of more than 10 mg/L in a mammalian system in IgG format wherein essentially all VH-VL combinations are expressed at levels of more than 15 mg/L in a mammalian system in IgG format; wherein most VH-VL combinations are expressed at levels of more than 20 mg/L in a mammalian system in IgG format; and/or at least three, at least four or at least five VH-VL combinations are expressed at levels of more than 25 mg/L in a mammalian system in IgG format.

In certain aspects the present invention provides a synthetic antibody library selected for VH/VL combinations that are thermally stable. Preferably all, essentially all, or substantially all combinations are thermally stable with Tm of at least 68, 70, 72, 74 or 76° C. Thermal stability can be measured as described herein. In certain aspects the present invention provides a synthetic human antibody library wherein essentially all VH-VL combinations have a Tm of more than 68° C.; essentially all VH-VL combinations have a Tm of more than 70° C., or of more than 72° C.; most VH-VL combinations have a Tm of more than 74° C.; and/or many VH-VL combinations have a Tm of more than 76° C. In certain aspects at least three, at least four or at least five VH-VL combinations have a Tm of more than 70° C.

In certain aspects the present invention provides a synthetic antibody library selected for VH-VL combinations that are soluble, i.e. do not tend to aggregate. Solubility may be determined, for example, by favorable folding and expression characteristics of tested Fab in a bacterial host or IgG1 in a eukaryotic host or aggregation after purification as determined by analytical size exclusion chromotography.

Low immunogenicity may be predicted or tested directly by methods known in the art, but may also be inferred by the fact that given VH/VL class pairs are the most abundant in the repertoire and used protein sequences are substantially germline protein sequences.

As described herein, antibody sequence data can be obtained from B-cells, for example, naïve B cells, publically available databases and/or literature. Each of the antibody sequences can be aligned to the closest germline family and/or gene. From this data, one can determine the VH and VL germline families and/or genes and/or the VH/VL class pairs that are abundant.

Once the VH and VL germline families and/or genes and/or VH/VL class pairs that are abundant are determined, one can select which VH and VL germline family and/or genes and/or VH/VL class pairs to be tested for favorable biophysical properties. One approach, would be to rank the VH and VL germline families and/or genes according to abundance and then test the VH and VL germline families and/or genes that are most abundant, for example, the top 20 most abundant VH and VL germline families and/or genes. In addition, one can combine the top 20 most abundant VH and VL germline families and/or genes, resulting, for example, in 400 combinations of VH and VL's and test them for favorable biophysical properties. In addition or complementarily, one can test the VH/VL class pairs that are most abundant for favorable biophysical properties.

The favorable biophysical properties include, but are not limited to: (i) they are well displayed on phage in the Fab-format, (ii) they are well displayed on mammalian cells in the IgG-format, (iii) they are expressed in high amounts in Fab-format, e.g., in E. Coli, and IgG formats, e.g., in mammalian cells, (iv) are thermodynamically stable; (v) have high serum stability, (vi) have a low tendency for aggregation (i.e. high solubility); and (vii) have a low risk of immunogenicity.

In some aspects, the present invention comprises a collection of synthetic nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising VH and VL class pairs present at a concentration of at least 0.5% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ B cells. In some embodiments, the VH and VL class pairs are present at a concentration of at least 1% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ B cells. In some embodiments, the VH and VL class pairs are present at a concentration of at least 2% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ B cells. In some embodiments, the B cells are isolated from a human host. In some embodiments, the B cells are naive. In some aspects, the collection comprises nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising germline VH and VL framework regions. In some embodiments the collection comprises at least 1×10⁴ nucleic acid sequences, at least 1×10⁶ nucleic acid sequences; at least 1×10⁸ nucleic acid sequences, at least 1×10¹⁰ nucleic acid sequences, or at least 1×10¹¹ nucleic acid sequences.

In some aspect, the present invention comprises a kit comprising sequence data illustrating nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising nucleic acids present in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ naïve human B cells, wherein said sequence data are on a readable medium. In some embodiments, the invention comprises the collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies of functional fragments thereof. In some embodiments, the vector is a phage display vector. In some embodiments, the vector is a phagemid vector. In some aspects, the present invention comprises host cells transformed with the collection vectors comprises the collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies of functional fragments thereof. In some embodiments, the host cells are prokaryotic. In some embodiments, the host cells are E. coli. In some embodiments, the host cells are eukaryotic. In some embodiments, the host cells are mammalian.

In some aspects the present invention comprises a method of producing a collection of synthetic nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof, comprising: synthesizing a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising VH and VL class pairs present in a concentration of at least 0.5% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ B cells. In some embodiments, the B cells are isolated from a human host. In some embodiments, the B cells are naive. In some embodiments, the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ B cells are identified by a method comprising

aa) harvesting naïve B-cells from one or more human hosts;

ab) isolating the DNA from the B-cells harvested in step aa); and

ac) analyzing the DNA isolated in step ab).

In some embodiments, the step of analyzing the DNA comprises sequencing the DNA. In some embodiments, the step of analyzing the DNA further comprises identifying the frequency that each VH and VL class pair exists in the sample. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise inserting the nucleic acids into a collection of vectors. In some embodiments, the vector is an expression vector. In some embodiments, the vector is a display vector. In some embodiments, the display vector is a phagemid vector. In some embodiments, the method further comprising transfecting said vectors into a suitable host cell. In some embodiments, the host cell is prokaryotic. In some embodiments, the host cell is E. coli. In some embodiments, the host cell is eukaryotic. In some embodiments, the host cell is mammalian.

In some aspects, the present invention comprises a method of identifying an antibody or antibody fragments thereof specific for an immunogen, comprising the steps of: a) synthesizing a collection of nucleic acids encoding antibodies or fragments thereof comprising VH and VL class pairs present in a concentration of at least 0.5% of the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ B cells; b) screening the collection against a specific immunogen; and c) selecting one or more antibodies or fragments thereof specific for said immunogen. In some embodiments, the B cells are isolated from a human host. In some embodiments, B cells are naive. In some embodiments, the VH and VL class pairs existing in a sample of at least 1×10⁵ B cells are identified by a method comprising

aa) harvesting naïve B-cells from one or more human hosts;

ab) isolating the DNA from the B-cells harvested in step aa); and

ac) analyzing the DNA isolated in step ab).

In some embodiments, the step of analyzing the DNA comprises sequencing the DNA. In some embodiments, the step of analyzing the DNA further comprises identifying the frequency that each VH and VL class pair exists in the sample. In some embodiments, the step of synthesizing the collection further comprises inserting said nucleic acids into a collection of vectors. In some embodiments, the method further comprises transfecting said vectors into a suitable host cell. In some embodiments, the method further comprises displaying said collection.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Generation of Restriction Sites in the C-Terminus of a Prokaryotic Signal Sequence and Human Leader Sequence, Providing for Fully Germline FR1 Regions

In one aspect, the present disclosure describes collections of antibodies comprising framework regions comprising germline protein sequences, specifically FR1. It is expected that having germline sequences shall lower the immunogenicity risk of the antibodies when administered in humans. Compatible restriction sites, however, must be used in order to enable standard cloning of the nucleic acids encoding the collections of antibodies into display and/or expression vectors so that the antibodies can be screened against immunogens. In the past, restriction sites utilized for cloning were often located within the framework regions, thus modifying the nucleic acid and/or amino acid sequence away from germline. In order to ensure that at least the framework 1 (FR1) region of each of the antibodies of the present disclosure maintain a germline protein sequence, there should not be any non-naturally occurring restriction sites within FR1. Therefore, an aspect of the present disclosure is the incorporation of an identical or at least compatible restriction site within the C-terminus of prokaryotic signal sequences and a human leader sequence, specifically within the three C-terminal residues. Additionally, the signal sequence and leader sequence comprising an identical or compatible restriction site must be functional and allow for good display and expression levels of the antibodies or fragments thereof in both prokaryotic and mammalian expression systems.

Example 1.1 Analysis of Abundant Amino Acid Residues at the C-Terminus of E. Coli Signal Sequences

The following describes the selection of restriction sites to be incorporated into the C-terminus of a signal sequence, both the E. coli ompA and phoA, and the evaluation of the functionality of the resulting signal sequences.

As a first step, the common amino acid residues at the C-terminal three amino acids of signal sequences (−3 to −1) were analyzed and a consensus sequence was generated, as shown in Table 1. See Chou et al., Prediction of protein signal sequences, Protein Pept. Sci. 3(6):615-22 (December 2002).

TABLE 1 Consensus sequences of the three C-terminal amino acids of signal sequences −3  −2  −1  A L A S A G V S S T Q

At position −3, predominantly A, S, V, and T amino acids were observed. At position −2, predominantly L, A, S, and Q amino acids were observed. At position −1, predominantly A, G, and S were observed.

Example 1.2 Selection of a Restriction Site for Heavy Chain E. Coli Signal Sequence (phoA)

After comparing the consensus sequences shown in Table 1 to known restriction sites, the following three restriction sites: AflII, NheI, and AwrII were selected for incorporation into the phoA C-terminus and subsequently studied for expression levels. It is important to note what by changing the wildtype nucleotide sequences to modified nucleotide sequences, also the amino acid sequences are change. The nucleic acids sequences of the selected restriction sites and corresponding amino acids sequences are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 AflII V   L   S GTC TTA AGY NheI V   L   A GTG CTA GCN AvrII V   L   G GTC CTA GGN

As a control, the wild type phoA signal sequence was studied for expression levels. The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of the wild type phoA signal sequence, including the 3 C-terminal sequences are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Wildtype E. coli phoA signal sequence (C-terminal amino acid  sequence from position −3 to −1 is TKA without restriction   site) (SEQ ID NOS 8 and 7, respectively):  M  K  Q  S  T  I  A  L  A  L  L  P  L  L  F  T  P  V  T  K  A ATGAAACAGAGCACCATTGCCCTGGCCCTGCTGCCGCTGCTGTTTACCCCAGTGACCAAAGCC PhoA wild type C-terminus       T     K     A                                 ACC   AAA   GCC

In order to evaluate expression levels, the restriction sites shown in Table 2 were incorporated into the phoA signal sequence thereby also modifying the wildtype amino acid sequence. The resulting signal sequences were used to express Fab fragments comprising either a) the VH3-23 or b) VH1-69 germline protein sequences. These germline genes were selected as they are known to be stable and well expressed. Into both the VH3-23 and VH1-69 germline gene sequences, the CDR-H3 (WGGDGFYAMDY (SEQ ID NO:1)) of the 4D5 antibody was incorporated, and the JH4 germline gene sequence was used for FR4. The 4D5 antibody is disclosed in (PDB entry 1FVC; Carter, P., Presta, L., Gorman, C. M., Ridgway, J. B., Henner, D., Wong, W. L. et al. (1992); Humanization Biophysical Properties of Human Antibody Domains 551 of an anti-p185HER2 antibody for human cancer therapy. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89, 4285-4289. pMORPHX11 (shown in FIG. 50) based plasmids were generated comprising a) phoA signal sequences comprising the C-terminal restriction sites and amino acid sequences of Table 2, b) the VH sequences of VH3-23 and VH1-69, incorporating the CDR-H3 and JH4, as described above, and c) the stable and well expressing light chain from MOR03207. All genes were generated at Geneart (Regensburg, Germany).

Expression and periplasmic transport were checked by performing anti-Fd ELISA after periplasmic extraction. The results of the Anti-Fd expression ELISA after periplasmic extraction using BBS buffer are shown in FIG. 1. As shown, in the VH3-23 group, the signal sequences including the C-terminal restriction sites, AflII (VLS), NheI (VLA), and AvrII (VLG), maintained expression levels in the range of wildtype (TKA), with NheI (VLA) performing better than wildtype (TKA).

Additionally, Fab expression in E. coli was performed after overnight culture in shake flasks and Fab production levels were determined after Fab purification by affinity chromatography and buffer exchange. The results are shown in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Fab expression using signal sequences including the C-terminal restriction sites AfIII (VLS), NheI (VLA), and AvrII (VLG), as compared to wildtype (TKA) Fab Construct Expression rate (mg/L) VH3-23 TKA 11.0 VH3-23 VLS 2.0 VH3-23 VLA 11.0 VH3-23 VLG 9.0 VH1-69 TKA 7.5 VH1-69 VLS 5.0 VH1-69 VLA 2.5 VH1-69 VLG 3.5

As shown, signal sequences including the C-terminal restriction sites AflII (VLS), NheI (VLA), and AvrII (VLG), as compared to wildtype (TKA) express similar amounts of Fab.

Based upon the above data, the NheI (VLA) restriction site was selected for incorporation into the heavy chain signal sequences (phoA). The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of the modified NheI (VLA) phoA signal sequence are shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Modified E. coli phoA signal sequence with C-terminal VLA and NheI restriction site (= GCTAGC) (SEQ ID NOS 10 and 9, respectively):  M  K  Q  S  T  I  A  L  A  L  L  P  L  L  F  T  P  V  V  L  A ATGAAACAGAGCACCATTGCCCTGGCCCTGCTGCCGCTGCTGTTTACCCCAGTGGT GCTAGC C

Example 1.3 Selection of a Restriction Site for Kappa and Lambda Light Chain E. Coli Signal Sequence (ompA)

A similar method to that described in Examples 1.2 was used for the selection of the restriction sites to be incorporated into the C-termini of the light chain signal sequences (ompA) for both kappa and lambda.

After comparing the consensus sequences shown in Table 1 to known restriction sites, the following restriction sites: NdeI (AYG), NdeI (AYA) and BsiWI (TYA) were selected for incorporation into the ompA C-terminus, thereby also modifying the amino acid sequences, and subsequently studied for expression levels. The sequences of the selected restriction sites are shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6 NdeI A   Y   G GCA TAT GGN NdeI A   Y   A GCA TAT GCN BsiWI T   Y   A ACG TAC GCN

As a control, the wild type ompA signal sequence was studied for expression levels. The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of the wild type ompA signal sequence, including the 3 C-terminal sequences are shown in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Wildtype E. coli ompA signal sequence (C-terminal amino acid  sequence from position −3 to −1 is AQA without restriction  site) (SEQ ID NOS 12 and 11, respectively):  M  K  K  T  A  I  A  I  A  V  A  L  A  G  F  A  T  V  A  Q  A ATGAAAAAAACCGCCATTGCCATTGCCGTGGCCCTGGCAGGCTTTGCCACCGTGGCGCAGGCC OmpA wild type C-terminus        A    Q    A                                  GCG  CAG  GCC

In order to evaluate expression levels, the restriction sites shown in Table 6 were incorporated into the ompA signal sequences. The resulting modified signal sequences were used to express Fab fragments comprising a) the Kappa1 O12 (IGKV1-39), b) Kappa3 L6 (IGKV3-11), or c) Lambdal V1-13 (IGLV1-40) germline gene sequences. These germline genes were selected as they are known to be stable and well expressed. In a) Kappa1 O12 (IGKV1-39) and b) Kappa3 L6 (IGKV3-11), the CDR-L3 region: QQHYTTPPT (SEQ ID NO:2) (for kappa) was incorporated, in c) Lambdal V1-13 (IGLV1-40) the CDR-L3 region: QSYDSSLSGVV (SEQ ID NO:3) (for lambda) was incorporated, and in a)-c), Jk1 germline gene sequence was used as FR4 for kappa light chain; and JI2/3 germline gene sequence was used as FR4 for lambda light chain. pMORPHX11 (shown in FIG. 50) plasmids were generated comprising a) ompA signal sequences comprising the C-terminal restriction sites of Table 6, b) the VL germline sequences of Kappa1 O12 (IGKV1-39), b) Kappa3 L6 (IGKV3-11), or c) Lambdal V1-13 (IGLV1-40), incorporating the CDR-L3 and FR4, as described above, and c) the IGHVH3-23 TKA construct, as heavy chain, described in Example 1.2. All genes were generated at Geneart (Regensburg, Germany).

Expression and periplasmic transport were checked by performing overnight Fab production in E. coli, periplasmic extraction, and anti-Fd ELISA after periplasmic extraction. The results of the Anti-Fd expression ELISA after periplasmic extraction using BBS buffer are shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the signal sequence including NdeI (AYA) shows as good as or better expression than wildtype (AQA).

Additionally, Fab expression in E. coli was performed after overnight culture in shake flasks and Fab production levels were determined after Fab purification by affinity chromatography and buffer exchange. The results are shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Fab expression using signal sequences including the C-terminal restriction sites NdeI (AYA) as compared to wild type (AQA). Construct Expression rate (mg/L) VK1-39 AQA 8.5 VK1-39 AYA 5.5 VK3-11 AQA 7.0 VK3-11 AYA 9.5 VL1-40 AQA 5.0 VL1-40 AYA 5.0

Based upon the above data, the NdeI (AYA) restriction site was selected for incorporation into the kappa and lambda signal sequences (ompA). The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of the modified NdeI (AYA) ompaA signal sequence are shown in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Modified E. coli ompA signal sequence with C-terminal AYA and NdeI restriction site (= CATATG) (SEQ ID NOS 14 and 13, respectively):  M  K  K  T  A  I  A  I  A  V  A  L  A  G  F  A  T  V  A  Y  A ATGAAAAAAACCGCCATTGCCATTGCCGTGGCCCTGGCAGGCTTTGCCACCGTGG CATATG CC

Example 1.4 Evaluation of Efficiency of Display of Fab Fragments by Signal Sequences in Phage Display

As described in Examples 1.2 and 1.3, the following restriction sites were selected for incorporation into the C-termini of the Fab signal sequences and IgG leader sequences:

Heavy chain variable regions (phoA and heavy chain leader): NheI (VLA)

Light chain variable regions (κ and λ) (ompA and kappa leader): NdeI (AYA)

FIG. 3 shows the selected restriction sites and corresponding amino acid sequences.

In order to show that these modified signal sequences mediate efficient transport and production of Fab fragments, vector constructs were generated incorporating the selected signal sequences into tricistronic display vectors, which encode a VH, VL and pill (phage coat protein pill used for phage display). This was done in order to confirm that such vectors, comprising the selected signal sequences, were able to provide useful phage display rates. pJPd1 (shown in FIG. 48) tricistronic vector constructs were generated comprising the VH of VH3-23 or VH1-69 germline genes, or the VL of VL1-40, VK3-11, or VK1-39 germline genes, and the selected heavy chain (phoA) restriction sites: NheI (VLA), and wildtype phoA (TKA) as a control, or the selected light chain (ompA) restriction sites: NdeI(AYA) and wildtype ompA (AQA), as a control. In addition, pMORPH30 (shown in FIG. 51) tricistronic vector constructs comprising the same were generated as controls. The relative display rates are shown in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Rel. Display Rate Vector Signal Sequence VCSM13 Hyperphage pMORPH30 VH1-69_TKA VL1-40_AQA 0.6/0.7/0.9 0.7/1.0/1.6 pMORPH30 VH1-69_VLA VL1-40_AYA 0.4/0.2/0.4 0.7/0.4/0.7 pJPd1 VH1-69_TKA VL1-40_AQA 0.6/0.5/0.7 4.8/5.7/5.5 pJPd1 VH1-69_VLA VL1-40_AYA 0.6/0.4/0.7 3.2/2.9/2.9 pMORPH30 VH1-69_TKA Vk3-11_AQA 0.8 0.9 pMORPH30 VH1-69_VLA Vk3-11_AYA 0.1 0.4 pJPd1 VH1-69_TKA Vk3-11_AQA 0.3 1.8 pJPd1 VH1-69_VLA Vk3-11_AYA 0.1 1.2 pMORPH30 VH1-69_TKA Vk1-39_AQA not done not done pMORPH30 VH1-69_VLA Vk1-39_AYA 0.3 0.4 pJPd1 VH1-69_TKA Vk1-39_AQA not done not done pJPd1 VH1-69_VLA Vk1-39_AYA 0.2 1.3 pMORPH30 VH3-23_TKA VL1-40_AQA 0.6 1.6 pMORPH30 VH3-23_VLA VL1-40_AYA 0.5 1.2 pJPd1 VH3-23_TKA VL1-40_AQA 0.5 7.3 pJPd1 VH3-23_VLA VL1-40_AYA 0.4 4.8 pMORPH30 VH3-23_TKA Vk1-39_AQA not done not done pMORPH30 VH3-23_VLA Vk1-39_AYA 0.5 1.6 pJPd1 VH3-23_TKA Vk1-39_AQA not done not done pJPd1 VH3-23_VLA Vk1-39_AYA 0.6 5.5 pMORPH30 VH3-23_TKA Vk3-11_AQA 0.7 2.0 pMORPH30 VH3-23_VLA Vk3-11_AYA 1.1 2.8 pJPd1 VH3-23_TKA Vk3-11_AQA 0.5 3.9 pJPd1 VH3-23_VLA Vk3-11_AYA 0.4 5.7

As shown, the pJPd1 vectors incorporating the selected signal sequences produced comparable relative display rates as the pMORPH30 vectors; and superior relative display rates compared to the pMORPH30 vectors were detected, when hyperphage were used as helper phage for phage production. Therefore, the pJPd1 vectors including the modified signal sequences should work well for phage display selection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof against target antigens.

Examples 1.2-1.4, describe the necessary tools to generate, express and display the collections of antibodies or functional fragments of the present disclosure, as they describe the signal sequences and leader sequences comprising restriction sites, which allow for FR1 regions with germline protein sequences, and describe the vector backbones useful for incorporating the disclosed collections of antibodies or functional fragments thereof into a phage display selection system, or mammalian expression system for the identification of antibodies against any immunogen. Moreover, the signal sequences carry restriction sites which allow full compatibility with both the Fab phage display and expression plasmids and corresponding IgG expression plasmids.

Example 1.5 Testing of Human Heavy Chain and Kappa Leader Sequences for IgG Expression Comprising the Selected C-Terminal Restriction Sites

In order to allow an easy switch from E. coli expressed Fab to mammalian expressed IgG formats, the human leader sequences for the IgG light chain (human kappa leader) and IgG heavy chain (human heavy chain leader) were generated to contain the same restriction sites as the C-termini of the ompA (NdeI (AYA)) and phoA (NheI (VLA)) signal sequences thereby modifying also some of the three C-terminal amino acid sequences.

The transfer of the VH from the E. coli-based Fab expression plasmid into the mammalian IgG expression vector can be performed using the described NheI restriction site which is located (a) in the C-terminus of the phoA signal sequence as well as (b) at the corresponding position in the C-terminus of the human heavy chain leader. In order to provide for this, the three final amino acids of the phoA signal sequence were modified (from TKA to VLA), and the C-terminus of the human heavy chain leader was adapted, by changing the wildtype amino acid sequence (−3 to −1) from VLS to the phoA compatible VLA.

The transfer of the VL from the E. coli-based Fab expression plasmid into the mammalian IgG expression vector can be performed by using the described NdeI restriction site which is located (a) in the C-terminus of the ompA signal sequence as well as (b) at the corresponding position in the C-terminus of the human kappa leader. In order to provide for this, the three final amino acids of the ompA signal sequence were modified (from AQA to AYA) and the C-terminus of the human kappa leader was adapted, by changing the wildtype amino acid sequence (−3 to −1) from AYG to the ompA compatible AYA. The wildtype and modified human heavy chain leader and human kappa leader sequences are shown in Table 11.

TABLE 11 Heavy chain leader A) Wildtype human heavy chain leader (C-terminal amino acid sequence from position −3 to −1 is VLS without restriction site) (SEQ ID NOS 16 and 15, respectively):  M  K  H  L  W  F  F  L  L  L  V  A  A  P  R  W  V  L  S ATGAAACACCTGTGGTTCTTCCTCCTGCTGGTGGCAGCTCCCAGATGGGTCCTGTCC Wild type Heavy chain leader C-terminus     V    L    S                                             GTC  CTG  TCC B) Modified human heavy chain leader with C-terminal VLA and NheI restriction site (= GCTAGC) (SEQ ID NOS 18 and 17, respectively):  M  K  H  L  W  F  F  L  L  L  V  A  A  P  R  W  V  L  A ATGAAGCACCTGTGGTTCTTTCTGCTGCTGGTGGCCGCTCCCCGGTGGGT GCTAGC C C) Wildtype human kappa leader (C-terminal amino acid sequence from position −3 to −1 is AYG without restriction site) (SEQ ID NOS 20 and 19, respectively):  M  V  L  Q  T  Q  V  F  I  S  L  L  L  W  I  S  G  A  Y  G ATGGTGTTGCAGACCCAGGTCTTCATTTCTCTGTTGCTCTGGATCTCTGGTGCCTACGGG Kappa leader C-terminus          A     Y     G                                  GCC   TAC   GGG D) Modified human kappa leader with C-terminal AYA and NdeI restriction site (= CATATG) (SEQ ID NOS 22 and 21, respectively):  M  V  L  Q  T  Q  V  F  I  S  L  L  L  W  I  S  G  A  Y  A ATGGTGCTCCAGACCCAGGTGTTCATCAGCCTGCTGCTGTGGATCAGCGGCG CATATG CG

In order to show that these modified signal/leader sequences mediate efficient transport and production of human IgG1 protein, both the modified human heavy chain leader and the modified human kappa leader were cloned into the pJP_Ig plasmids (shown in FIGS. 52-54) for mammalian expression of full length human IgG1, replacing the wildtype leader sequences. The resulting expression vectors containing the modified leader sequences, variable region genes as shown in Table 12 and constant regions for either kappa or lambda light chains and heavy chains were transfected into HKB11 cells and the human IgG1 was purified from cell culture supernatants several days post transfection by using Protein A chromatography. The IgG1 content was determined after purification and buffer exchange. The expression yields are shown in Table 12.

TABLE 12 VH VL Human IgG1 expression >hVH_1_69*01 >hVL_3-1 36.4 mg/L >hVH_1_69*01 >hVL_3-21 34.5 mg/L >hVH_3_23 >hVL_3-1 40.0 mg/L >hVH_3_23 >hVL_3-21 34.5 mg/L >hVH_3_30 >hVK_3_20 25.6 mg/L

All of the tested constructs express high amounts of human IgG1 indicating that the modified leader sequences maintain expression levels. The selected modified leader sequences (a) result in high yields of IgG protein according to the vector system used, (b) provide full compatibility for switching antibody formats, vectors and expression systems between prokaryotic and mammalian systems and (c) are located in the signal/leader sequences thereby maintaining the full germline sequences of FR1.

Example 2 Identification of the Most Abundant VH/VL Pairs in the Human Repertoire

An aspect of the present disclosure is a collection or library of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprises germline protein sequences of the germline gene pairs most abundant in the human immune repertoire, wherein each antibody or functional fragments thereof comprises germline protein sequences of the respective germline protein pair, and wherein the germline protein pairs selected for incorporation into the collection comprise biophysical properties that increase the likelihood that each of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof selected from the collection will be clinically developable and commercially successful. In order to generate such a collection, many criteria had to be evaluated. Generally, the following steps were taken: the predominant germline gene pairs from the human immune repertoire were identified; the cDNAs of the predominant germline gene pairs from the human immune repertoire were synthesized and cloned into various vector backgrounds and antibodies or functional fragments thereof were produced; antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising the germline protein sequences of the predominant germline gene pairs were functionally tested to determine their biophysical properties; and the biophysical properties of the antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising the respective germline protein pairs were compared; then a subset of the germline protein pairs were selected for incorporation into a collection. In some embodiments, the germline protein sequences of the selected germline protein pairs act as scaffolds. In those embodiments, the scaffolds comprise the germline protein sequences of the selected germline protein pairs, wherein both the VH and VL comprise germline protein sequences of the respective pair in at least FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, and FR3. In specific embodiments, CDR3 can be diversified. In specific embodiments, FR4 is fixed, for example, for VH the JH4 sequence can be used, for kappa VL, the Jk1 sequence can be used, and for lambda VL, the JI2/3 can be used.

Example 2.1 Determination of VH/VL Pair Germline Gene Usage

In order to identify the predominant VH/VL germline gene pairs from the human immune repertoire, publically available data was analyzed and human B cells were sampled. As a first step, publically available data was reviewed to identify articles describing the VH/VL germline gene pairs isolated from B cells. As mentioned, many publically available databases provide antibody sequences, however, many provide only the sequences of either variable domain, VH or VL, but seldom provide the linkage of VH/VL germline gene pairs. The following articles were identified and analyzed in detail: Wardemann H. et al. (2003) Science 301, 1374-1377 and any supporting tables; Yurasov S. et al. (2005) J. Exp. Med. 201, 703-712 and any supporting tables; Tsuiji M. et al. (2006) J. Exp. Med. 203, 393-401 and any supporting tables; Yurasov S. et al. (2006) J. Exp. Med. 203, 2255-2262 and any supporting tables, Tiller T. et al. (2007) Immunity 26, 205-213 and any supporting tables, and Mietzner B. et al. (2008) PNAS 105, 9727-9732 and any supporting tables.

FIGS. 4-9 show the VH/VL pairs of the B cells isolated in Tsuiji M. et al. (2006).

FIGS. 10-12 show the VH/VL pairs of the B cells isolated in Tiller T. et al. (2007)

FIGS. 13-17 show the VH/VL pairs of the B cells isolated in Mietzner B. et al. (2008)

FIGS. 18-20 show the VH/VL pairs of the B cells isolated in Wardemann H. et al. (2003).

FIGS. 21-23 show the VH/VL pairs of the B cells isolated in identified in Yurasov S. et al. (2005).

FIGS. 24-26 show the VH/VL pairs of the B cells isolated in Yurasov S. et al. (2006)

Additional VH/VL pair data was identified from a sample of human B cells, as described below.

Example 2.2 Determination of VH/VL Pair Gene Usage from a Human Sample

In order to obtain additional VH/VL germline gene pair usage data, PBMCs were isolated from a human host. The PBMCs were sorted, the cDNAs of the B cells were amplified using PCR, the DNA from the B cells was sequenced and then the sequences were blasted with IgBLAST (NCBI) to identify the VH/VL germline gene pairs from each B cell.

Example 2.2(a) Isolation and Sorting of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs)

General methods of isolating and sorting human PBMCs from venous blood and mononuclear cells from bone marrow are described in Tiller et al. JIM 2008. The PBMCs were isolated as follows. 40 ml venous blood was collected from a human donor (7 days after Pandemrix™ vaccination (H1N1 vaccine GlaxoSmithKline)) into 4× Li-Heparin blood collection tubes (Sarstedt) (10 ml each). The contents of each monovette were combined into a single 50 ml Falcon (40 ml total) and then 100 μl RosetteSep (StemCell technologies) (2.5 μl/ml) was added, mixed well on a rotator (5 rpm) and incubated at room temperature for 30 min. The blood/RosettaSep combination was diluted with an equal volume of 1×PBS (Invitrogen). 15 ml of FicollPaque (GE Healthcare) was added to new 50 ml conical tubes and 20 ml of diluted blood was layered over the FicollPaque, totaling (4 tubes: each with 15 ml FicollPaque+20 ml blood). The tubes were spun on a centrifuge for 30 min at 400 g (1400 rpm on sigma laboratory centrifuge) at room temperature with no brake. After centrifugation the enriched PBMCs formed a band at the interface between the plasma and the FicollPaque. The PBMCs were removed from each tube with a pipette and transferred to a new 50 ml tube. The PBMCs were washed by diluting to 40 ml with FACS buffer (PBS, 3% FCS), and spinning on a centrifuge for 10 min at 1250 rpm at 4° C. The PBMCs were counted with Trypan Blue (10 μl sample +90 μl Trypan Blue (1:10 diluted with PBS)).

The PBMCs were stained by resuspending in ˜5 ml ice cold FACS buffer. Aliquots of cells were prepared for staining. The fluorophore was prepared to be tested. The aliquots were spun down at 1250 rpm, 4° C. and the supernatant was discarded. Antibodies for staining were added to the cell pellets, according to the scheme described in Table 13.

TABLE 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 unstained APC FITC PE PE-Cy7 ASC mn Bcells volume 1.3. ml 250 μl 250 μl 250 μl 250 μl 1.3 ml 1.3 ml cell ~2.7 ~0.5 ~0.5 ~0.5 ~0.5 ~2.7 ~2.7 number [×10e6) CD19- —  15 μl — — — 15 μl 15 μl APC CD27- — —  30 μl — — 30 μl 30 μl FITC CD38- — — —  15 μl — 15 μl — PE CD20- — — — —  2 μl  2 μl — Biotin CD10- — — — — — — 15 μl PE IgM- — — — — — —  2 μl Biotin incubate 20 min at 4° C. in the dark (here 30 min) wash with 1 ml of FACS buffer, 1250 rpm, 4° C., 5 min, discard supernatant SA- 100 μl 200 μl  200 μl  PE-Cy7 (~1:1500) (~1:5000) (~1:5000) (1:500) incubate 20 min at 4° C. in the dark wash twice with 1 ml of FACS buffer, 1250 rpm, 4° C., 5 min, discard supernatant resuspend stained cell pellet in 500 μl FACS buffer

The cells were then passed through a cell strainer on FACS tubes (Eppendorf) to avoid clogs in the cytometer. The cells were put on ice, and kept in the dark.

The cells were single sorted according to the cell surface marker of the phenotype of interest. For example, antibody secreting cells are CD19⁺CD20^(low)CD27^(hi)CD38^(hi) and mature naïve B cells are CD19⁺CD27^(neg)CD10^(neg)IgM⁺. The presence of the cell surface markers was identified using mouse anti-human antibodies (AbD: CD19, CD27, CD38, CD-20, and CD10) (Becton Dickinson: IgM). The cells were sorted on forward versus side scatter (live cell gate with double discrimination) into single cell 96 well PCR plates (Eppendorf) containing 4 μl of 0.5×PBS, 10 mM DTT, 8 U RNAsin (Promega) using a FACS Aria.

The PCR plates were prepared as shown in Table 14.

TABLE 14 H₂0 nuclease free 3200 μl  10xPBS 200 μl 0.1M DTT 400 μl RNAsin (40 U/μl, Promega) 200 μl total 4000 μl 

After sorting, each plate was immediately sealed with a microseal foil (BioRad) and placed on dry ice. Once the cell sorting was finished all plates were frozen at −80° C.

Example 2.2(b) PCR Amplification of Human B Cell DNA

PBMCs were isolated and sorted as described in Example 2.2(a). Ig gene transcripts of the single sorted mature naïve (mn) B cells and antibody secreting cells (asc) were then PCR amplified for determination of the VH/VL germline gene pairings. General methods of PCR amplifying cDNA of B cells and the primers useful for the same are described in Tiller et. al. J Immunol Methods, 2008.

The overall PCR strategy is shown in FIG. 27. The specific primers (SEQ ID NOS 23-59, respectively, in order of appearance) used are shown in Table 15.

TABLE 15 for μ or γ heavy chain PCR: HC 1st PCR 5′ L-VH 1 ACAGGTGCCCACTCCCAGGTGCAG 24 5′ L-VH 3 AAGGTGTCCAGTGTGARGTGCAG 23 5′ L-VH 4/6 CCCAGATGGGTCCTGTCCCAGGTGCAG 27 5′ L-VH 5 CAAGGAGTCTGTTCCGAGGTGCAG 24 3′ Cμ CH1 (mu) GGGAATTCTCACAGGAGACGA 21 3′ Cg CH1 (gamma) GGAAGGTGTGCACGCCGCTGGTC 23 HC 2nd PCR 5′ AgeI VH1 CTGCAACCGGTGTACATTCCCAGGTGCAGCTGGTGCAG 38 5′ AgeI VH1/5 CTGCAACCGGTGTACATTCCGAGGTGCAGCTGGTGCAG 38 5′ AgeI VH3 CTGCAACCGGTGTACATTCTGAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAG 38 5′ AgeI VH3-23 CTGCAACCGGTGTACATTCTGAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAG 38 5′ AgeI VH4 CTGCAACCGGTGTACATTCCCAGGTGCAGCTGCAGGAG 38 5′ AgeI VH 4-34 CTGCAACCGGTGTACATTCCCAGGTGCAGCTACAGCAGTG 40 3′ SalI JH 1/2/4/5 TGCGAAGTCGACGCTGAGGAGACGGTGACCAG 32 3′ SalI JH 3 TGCGAAGTCGACGCTGAAGAGACGGTGACCATTG 34 3′ SalI JH 6 TGCGAAGTCGACGCTGAGGAGACGGTGACCGTG 33 3′ IgG (internal) GTTCGGGGAAGTAGTCCTTGAC 22 for kappa light chain PCR: k LC 1st PCR 5′ L-Vk 1/2 ATGAGGSTCCCYGCTCAGCTGCTGG 25 5′ L-Vk 3 CTCTTCCTCCTGCTACTCTGGCTCCCAG 28 5′ L-Vk 4 ATTTCTCTGTTGCTCTGGATCTCTG 25 3′ Ck 543 GTTTCTCGTAGTCTGCTTTGCTCA 24 k LC 2nd PCR 5′ Pan Vk ATGACCCAGWCTCCABYCWCCCTG 24 3′ Ck 494 GTGCTGTCCTTGCTGTCCTGCT 22 for lambda light chain PCR: (LC 1st PCR 5′ L-VI 1 GGTCCTGGGCCCAGTCTGTGCTG 23 5′ L-VI 2 GGTCCTGGGCCCAGTCTGCCCTG 23 5′ L-VI 3 GCTCTGTGACCTCCTATGAGCTG 23 5′ L-VI 4/5 GGTCTCTCTCSCAGCYTGTGCTG 23 5′ L-VI 6 GTTCTTGGGCCAATTTTATGCTG 23 5′ L-VI 7 GGTCCAATTCYCAGGCTGTGGTG 23 5′ L-VI 8 GAGTGGATTCTCAGACTGTGGTG 23 3′ C( CACCAGTGTGGCCTTGTTGGCTTG 24 (LC 2nd PCR 5′AgeI VI 1 CTGCTACCGGTTCCTGGGCCCAGTCTGTGCTGACKCAG 38 5′AgeI VI 2 CTGCTACCGGTTCCTGGGCCCAGTCTGCCCTGACTCAG 38 5′AgeI VI 3 CTGCTACCGGTTCTGTGACCTCCTATGAGCTGACWCAG 38 5′AgeI VI 4/5 CTGCTACCGGTTCTCTCTCSCAGCYTGTGCTGACTCA 37 5′AgeI VI 6 CTGCTACCGGTTCTTGGGCCAATTTTATGCTGACTCAG 38 5′AgeI VI 7/8 CTGCTACCGGTTCCAATTCYCAGRCTGTGGTGACYCAG 38 3′ XhoI CI CTCCTCACTCGAGGGYGGGAACAGAGTG 28

cDNAs of the single sorted mature naïve (mn) B cells and antibody secreting cells (asc) were synthesized as follows. First the RHP-Mix, RT-Mix and RT-Mix were prepared on ice. The RHP-Mix was prepared with the following: 115 μl of Random Hexamer Primers (Roche) (300 ng/μl), 115 μl NP-40 (Sigma) (10%), 35 μl RNAsin and 542 μl water. The RT-Mix was prepared with the following: 660 μl of 5×RT buffer, 110 μl of dNTP (Invitrogen) (25 mM each), 450 μl of water, 220μ of 0.1 M DTT, 44 μl of RNAsin (Promega), 55 μl Superscript III (reverse Transcriptase) (Invitrogen).

Next, a plate was put on dry ice, and 3.5 μl of RHP-Mix was added. The plate was covered with foil and incubated at 68° C. in a water bath for 1 min. The plate was then placed on regular ice. Then 7 μl of RT-Mix was added and the wells were closed with aluminium foil. The RT-Amplification—Program was run at the following temperatures and for the following durations: 42° C. for 5′, 25° C. for 10′, 50° C. for 60′, 94° C. for 5′, and 4° C. and held. The cDNA was stored at −20° C.

Nested PCR was conducted as follows. Human IgH, Igk and IgL V gene transcripts were PCR amplified independently. 3.5 μl cDNA was used as a template. All PCR reactions were performed in 96 well plates in a total volume of 40 μl per well. For each plate, 3 reaction tubes were prepared each with: 1154 μl of water, 150 μl of 10× buffer, 16 μl of dNTPs, 5 μl of 5′ primer mix, 5 μl 3′ primer, and 7 μl HotStar Taq (Qiagen). All nested PCR reactions with gene-specific primers or primer mixes were performed with 3.5 μl of unpurified first PCR product. Each round of PCR was performed as shown in Table 16.

TABLE 16 PCR program for amplification of human Ig gene transcripts Step Temperature Length of time Activation of 94° C. 15 min HotStar Taq Denaturation 94° C. 30 sec Annealing 58° C. (IgH/Igk) 30 sec 60° C. (IgL) {close oversize brace} 50 cycles Elongation 72° C. 55 sec (1^(st) PCR) 45 sec (2^(nd) PCR) Final Elongation 72° C. 10 min Hold  4° C. ∞

Next, 3 μl aliquots of the second PCRs were run on a 2% agarose gel containing ethidium bromide in 1×TBE buffer with an equal amount of loading buffer for 45 min at 150 V. DNA bands were visualized under UV light. The expected PCR product sizes were approximately 450 bp for Igγ, 510 bp for Igκ and 405 bp for Igλ.

4 μl of VH, VK and VL PCR products (w/ matching corresponding VH or VL product) were combined w/ 16 μl ddH₂O into 96 well plates and submitted to Eurofins MWG Operon, Ebersberg, Germany for plate sequencing. The sequencing primers were provided at 10 pmol/μl (stock 50 pmol/μ, 1:5 dilution) and are shown in Table 17.

TABLE 17 μHC: 5′ Age VH-Mix γHC: 3′ IgGinternal VK: 5′ Pan-VK VL: 5′ VL-Mix

The sequencing results were blasted with IgBLAST (NCBI) to identify the VH, VK, and VL germline genes, shown in FIGS. 28A-C (28-36).

Example 2.3 VH/VL Germline Gene Pairs Identified in the Human Immune Repertoire

The VH/VL germline gene pair data identified from the publically available literature as described in Example 2.1 and shown in FIGS. 4-26 was pooled with the data identified from a human sample as described in Example 2.2 and shown in FIGS. 28-36.

The pooled data was analyzed and is shown as a ranking in Table 18, i.e. the ranking of the concentration (%) of the VH/VL germline gene pairs identified in the human immune repertoire.

TABLE 18 Frequency of the VH/VL germline gene pair usagein the human immune repertoire Pos: represents the position of relative ranking of the VH/VL pairs as determined by the percentage (%) of each VH/VL pair from the total sample. N = 2137 pos V heavy V light % 1 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-5 1.26 2 IGHV4-34 IGKV3-20 1.17 3 IGHV3-23 IGKV3-20 1.12 4 IGHV4-39 IGKV3-15 1.03 5 IGHV3-23 IGKV3-15 0.94 6 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.89 7 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.84 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.84 8 IGHV4-59 IGKV3-20 0.70 IGHV1-18 IGKV3-20 0.70 9 IGHV3-30 IGKV3-20 0.66 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-5 0.66 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.66 IGHV5-51 IGLV 1-40 0.66 10 IGHV3-23 IGKV4-1 0.61 IGHV4-39 IGKV3-20 0.61 IGHV3-23 IGLV 2-14 0.61 IGHV4-39 IGLV 3-21 0.61 11 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.56 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.56 IGHV3-30 IGKV3-11 0.56 IGHV1-69 IGKV3-20 0.56 IGHV3-48 IGKV3-20 0.56 IGHV1-2 IGKV3-20 0.56 12 IGHV3-30 IGKV4-1 0.51 IGHV5-51 IGLV 2-14 0.51 13 IGHV4-59 IGKV4-1 0.47 IGHV5-51 IGKV3-20 0.47 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.47 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-5 0.47 IGHV3-15 IGKV3-20 0.47 IGHV4-39 IGLV 2-14 0.47 IGHV4-39 IGLV 2-8 0.47 IGHV4-34 IGLV 2-14 0.47 14 IGHV3-23 IGKV3-11 0.42 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-5 0.42 IGHV3-30 IGKV3-15 0.42 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-5 0.42 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-5 0.42 IGHV3-21 IGKV3-15 0.42 IGHV3-30 IGLV 1-51 0.42 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-51 0.42 IGHV3-21 IGLV 1-51 0.42 IGHV3-53 IGLV 1-44 0.42 15 IGHV4-59 IGKV3-15 0.37 IGHV4-34 IGKV3-15 0.37 IGHV5-51 IGKV4-1 0.37 IGHV1-69 IGKV4-1 0.37 IGHV1-69 IGKV3-11 0.37 IGHV3-7 IGKV3-15 0.37 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.37 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.37 IGHV3-33 IGKV3-15 0.37 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-5 0.37 IGHV4-59 IGLV 1-40 0.37 IGHV1-69 IGLV 2-14 0.37 IGHV1-69 IGLV 1-44 0.37 IGHV4-31 IGLV 2-14 0.37 IGHV1-2 IGLV 2-14 0.37 16 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.33 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-9 0.33 IGHV4-34 IGKV4-1 0.33 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.33 IGHV5-51 IGKV3-15 0.33 IGHV1-69 IGKV3-15 0.33 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.33 IGHV3-48 IGKV3-11 0.33 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.33 IGHV4-31 IGKV3-20 0.33 IGHV4-31 IGKV3-11 0.33 IGHV3-30 IGLV 2-14 0.33 IGHV4-39 IGLV 1-44 0.33 IGHV1-69 IGLV 1-40 0.33 IGHV3-9 IGLV 2-23 0.33 17 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.28 IGHV4-39 IGKV3-11 0.28 IGHV4-34 IGKV3-11 0.28 IGHV4-34 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.28 IGHV5-51 IGKV3-11 0.28 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-13 0.28 IGHV3-7 IGKV3-20 0.28 IGHV3-48 IGKV3-15 0.28 IGHV3-48 IGKV4-1 0.28 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.28 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.28 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-5 0.28 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.28 IGHV3-33 IGKV3-20 0.28 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.28 IGHV3-33 IGKV4-1 0.28 IGHV3-53 IGKV3-15 0.28 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-5 0.28 IGHV4-4 IGKV3-20 0.28 IGHV1-46 IGKV3-20 0.28 IGHV3-23 IGLV 1-40 0.28 IGHV3-23 IGLV 3-21 0.28 IGHV4-39 IGLV 1-40 0.28 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-40 0.28 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-47 0.28 IGHV3-48 IGLV 2-14 0.28 IGHV3-48 IGLV 1-47 0.28 IGHV1-2 IGLV 1-40 0.28 IGHV3-9 IGLV 2-14 0.28 IGHV4-4 IGLV 1-44 0.28 18 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-17 0.23 IGHV4-39 IGKV4-1 0.23 IGHV4-39 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.23 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-5 0.23 IGHV3-7 IGKV4-1 0.23 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-5 0.23 IGHV1-18 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.23 IGHV3-21 IGKV3-20 0.23 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-5 0.23 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.23 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.23 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.23 IGHV3-11 IGKV3-15 0.23 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.23 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.23 IGHV4-61 IGKV4-1 0.23 IGHV3-23 IGLV 1-44 0.23 IGHV3-23 IGLV 2-11 0.23 IGHV3-23 IGLV 3-1 0.23 IGHV3-30 IGLV 1-40 0.23 IGHV4-39 IGLV 1-51 0.23 IGHV4-39 IGLV 2-23 0.23 IGHV4-59 IGLV 3-1 0.23 IGHV5-51 IGLV 1-44 0.23 IGHV1-69 IGLV 1-51 0.23 IGHV1-69 IGLV 2-11 0.23 IGHV1-18 IGLV 2-14 0.23 IGHV1-18 IGLV 1-40 0.23 IGHV3-21 IGLV 2-14 0.23 IGHV1-2 IGLV 1-44 0.23 19 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-27 0.19 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-8 0.19 IGHV3-30 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.19 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.19 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-27 0.19 IGHV4-59 IGKV3-11 0.19 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-5 0.19 IGHV5-51 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.19 IGHV3-7 IGKV3-11 0.19 IGHV3-7 IGKV2-30 0.19 IGHV1-18 IGKV3-15 0.19 IGHV1-18 IGKV3-11 0.19 IGHV3-21 IGKV4-1 0.19 IGHV3-15 IGKV3-15 0.19 IGHV3-15 IGKV4-1 0.19 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.19 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.19 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-5 0.19 IGHV4-31 IGKV3-15 0.19 IGHV4-31 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.19 IGHV3-33 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.19 IGHV3-53 IGKV4-1 0.19 IGHV3-53 IGKV3-11 0.19 IGHV3-74 IGKV3-20 0.19 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-5 0.19 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-9 0.19 IGHV1-8 IGKV3-15 0.19 IGHV1-24 IGKV3-11 0.19 IGHV1-3 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.19 IGHV3-49 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.19 IGHV3-23 IGLV 2-23 0.19 IGHV3-30 IGLV 1-44 0.19 IGHV4-59 IGLV 2-14 0.19 IGHV4-59 IGLV 1-44 0.19 IGHV4-59 IGLV 1-51 0.19 IGHV4-34 IGLV 2-8 0.19 IGHV5-51 IGLV 1-47 0.19 IGHV1-69 IGLV 2-8 0.19 IGHV3-7 IGLV 1-40 0.19 IGHV3-15 IGLV 1-44 0.19 IGHV4-31 IGLV 2-23 0.19 IGHV3-33 IGLV 2-14 0.19 IGHV3-33 IGLV 1-47 0.19 IGHV3-33 IGLV 2-23 0.19 IGHV3-33 IGLV 3-21 0.19 IGHV3-9 IGLV 1-44 0.19 IGHV4-4 IGLV 2-14 0.19 IGHV1-46 IGLV 1-51 0.19 IGHV4-61 IGLV 1-44 0.19 IGHV1-8 IGLV 2-14 0.19 IGHV4-28 IGLV 2-23 0.19 20 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-9 0.14 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-16 0.14 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-6 0.14 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-5 0.14 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-27 0.14 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.14 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.14 IGHV1-69 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.14 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.14 IGHV3-7 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.14 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-8 0.14 IGHV3-48 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.14 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-8 0.14 IGHV3-15 IGKV3-11 0.14 IGHV3-15 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.14 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-9 0.14 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.14 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-5 0.14 IGHV1-2 IGKV4-1 0.14 IGHV3-11 IGKV3-20 0.14 IGHV3-11 IGKV3-11 0.14 IGHV3-11 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.14 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.14 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-5 0.14 IGHV3-9 IGKV4-1 0.14 IGHV3-9 IGKV2D-29 0.14 IGHV3-74 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.14 IGHV3-74 IGKV1-5 0.14 IGHV3-74 IGKV3-15 0.14 IGHV3-74 IGKV4-1 0.14 IGHV4-4 IGKV3-15 0.14 IGHV4-4 IGKV4-1 0.14 IGHV4-4 IGKV3-11 0.14 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-5 0.14 IGHV1-46 IGKV3-15 0.14 IGHV4-61 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.14 IGHV1-24 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.14 IGHV1-24 IGKV3-15 0.14 IGHV1-3 IGKV3-15 0.14 IGHV3-49 IGKV1-17 0.14 IGHV3-43 IGKV1-5 0.14 IGHV7-81 IGKV3-20 0.14 IGHV3-13 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.14 IGHV3-23 IGLV 1-51 0.14 IGHV3-30 IGLV 3-21 0.14 IGHV3-30 IGLV 3-1 0.14 IGHV4-39 IGLV 1-47 0.14 IGHV4-39 IGLV 2-18 0.14 IGHV4-59 IGLV 1-47 0.14 IGHV5-51 IGLV 2-23 0.14 IGHV5-51 IGLV 3-21 0.14 IGHV1-69 IGLV 2-23 0.14 IGHV3-7 IGLV 1-44 0.14 IGHV3-7 IGLV 1-51 0.14 IGHV3-7 IGLV 1-47 0.14 IGHV3-7 IGLV 3-21 0.14 IGHV1-18 IGLV 1-44 0.14 IGHV1-18 IGLV 1-51 0.14 IGHV3-48 IGLV 3-1 0.14 IGHV3-21 IGLV 1-47 0.14 IGHV3-15 IGLV 7-46 0.14 IGHV4-31 IGLV 1-40 0.14 IGHV4-31 IGLV 1-51 0.14 IGHV4-31 IGLV 1-47 0.14 IGHV1-2 IGLV 1-51 0.14 IGHV1-2 IGLV 2-23 0.14 IGHV1-2 IGLV 3-1 0.14 IGHV3-11 IGLV 2-14 0.14 IGHV3-11 IGLV 1-44 0.14 IGHV3-11 IGLV 2-11 0.14 IGHV3-11 IGLV 3-1 0.14 IGHV3-9 IGLV 1-47 0.14 IGHV3-9 IGLV 2-11 0.14 IGHV3-74 IGLV 2-23 0.14 IGHV3-74 IGLV 3-21 0.14 IGHV4-4 IGLV 1-40 0.14 IGHV1-46 IGLV 2-14 0.14 IGHV1-46 IGLV 1-44 0.14 IGHV4-61 IGLV 2-14 0.14 21 IGHV3-23 IGKV2D-29 0.09 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-29 0.09 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGKV2-30 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-8 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-6 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGKV2-24 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGKV1D-8 0.09 IGHV4-39 IGKV2-30 0.09 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.09 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-12 0.09 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-9 0.09 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-17 0.09 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-16 0.09 IGHV5-51 IGKV2-30 0.09 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-27 0.09 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-8 0.09 IGHV1-69 IGKV3D-15 0.09 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-9 0.09 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-17 0.09 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-27 0.09 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-13 0.09 IGHV1-18 IGKV4-1 0.09 IGHV1-18 IGKV2-30 0.09 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-9 0.09 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-17 0.09 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-16 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGKV3-11 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-27 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-8 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-6 0.09 IGHV4-31 IGKV4-1 0.09 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-17 0.09 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-27 0.09 IGHV1-2 IGKV3-15 0.09 IGHV1-2 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.09 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-27 0.09 IGHV3-33 IGKV3-11 0.09 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.09 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-9 0.09 IGHV3-53 IGKV3-20 0.09 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-27 0.09 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-8 0.09 IGHV3-11 IGKV4-1 0.09 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-6 0.09 IGHV3-9 IGKV3-15 0.09 IGHV3-9 IGKV3-11 0.09 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-16 0.09 IGHV3-74 IGKV3-11 0.09 IGHV3-74 IGKV2-30 0.09 IGHV4-4 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.09 IGHV4-4 IGKV2D-29 0.09 IGHV1-46 IGKV3-11 0.09 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-27 0.09 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-16 0.09 IGHV4-61 IGKV3-15 0.09 IGHV1-8 IGKV3-20 0.09 IGHV1-8 IGKV4-1 0.09 IGHV1-24 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.09 IGHV1-24 IGKV2-30 0.09 IGHV1-3 IGKV3-20 0.09 IGHV3-49 IGKV3-20 0.09 IGHV3-49 IGKV1-5 0.09 IGHV3-43 IGKV3-11 0.09 IGHV3-64 IGKV1-5 0.09 IGHV3-64 IGKV3-11 0.09 IGHV7-81 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.09 IGHV3-13 IGKV4-1 0.09 IGHV3-72 IGKV1-5 0.09 IGHV3-72 IGKV3-15 0.09 IGHV1-58 IGKV3-20 0.09 IGHV3-66 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.09 IGHV3-23 IGLV 1-36 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGLV 2-23 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGLV 2-11 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGLV 9-49 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGLV 3-10 0.09 IGHV4-39 IGLV 3-1 0.09 IGHV4-39 IGLV 6-57 0.09 IGHV4-59 IGLV 2-23 0.09 IGHV4-59 IGLV 3-21 0.09 IGHV4-59 IGLV 2-11 0.09 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-44 0.09 IGHV4-34 IGLV 2-23 0.09 IGHV4-34 IGLV 3-21 0.09 IGHV4-34 IGLV 3-25 0.09 IGHV5-51 IGLV 1-36 0.09 IGHV5-51 IGLV 3-25 0.09 IGHV1-69 IGLV 1-47 0.09 IGHV1-69 IGLV 3-21 0.09 IGHV1-69 IGLV 3-1 0.09 IGHV3-7 IGLV 2-14 0.09 IGHV1-18 IGLV 2-8 0.09 IGHV1-18 IGLV 6-57 0.09 IGHV3-48 IGLV 2-11 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGLV 1-40 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGLV 1-44 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGLV 3-21 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGLV 2-11 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGLV 4-69 0.09 IGHV3-15 IGLV 1-40 0.09 IGHV3-15 IGLV 1-51 0.09 IGHV3-15 IGLV 3-1 0.09 IGHV3-15 IGLV 2-8 0.09 IGHV3-15 IGLV 7-43 0.09 IGHV4-31 IGLV 3-21 0.09 IGHV1-2 IGLV 2-8 0.09 IGHV1-2 IGLV 7-46 0.09 IGHV3-33 IGLV 6-57 0.09 IGHV3-53 IGLV 2-14 0.09 IGHV3-11 IGLV 2-23 0.09 IGHV3-11 IGLV 3-21 0.09 IGHV3-11 IGLV 4-69 0.09 IGHV3-9 IGLV 3-21 0.09 IGHV3-9 IGLV 2-8 0.09 IGHV3-74 IGLV 2-14 0.09 IGHV4-4 IGLV 1-51 0.09 IGHV4-4 IGLV 2-23 0.09 IGHV4-4 IGLV 2-8 0.09 IGHV1-46 IGLV 2-11 0.09 IGHV4-61 IGLV 2-11 0.09 IGHV1-8 IGLV 1-47 0.09 IGHV1-24 IGLV 2-23 0.09 IGHV1-3 IGLV 2-14 0.09 IGHV1-3 IGLV 2-23 0.09 IGHV1-3 IGLV 3-1 0.09 IGHV3-49 IGLV 3-21 0.09 IGHV4-28 IGLV 1-44 0.09 IGHV4-28 IGLV 1-51 0.09 IGHV4-28 IGLV 1-36 0.09 IGHV3-43 IGLV 1-51 0.09 IGHV3-64 IGLV 3-21 0.09 IGHV7-81 IGLV 2-14 0.09 IGHV7-81 IGLV 3-21 0.09 22 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-30 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGKV3D-20 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGKV1D-12 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGKV1D-13 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-27 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-16 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGKV2D-29 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-13 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGKV5-2 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGKV2D-30 0.05 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV4-39 IGKV3D-15 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGKV2-30 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-8 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-16 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGKV1D-43 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGKV2D-30 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGKV1D-17 0.05 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-27 0.05 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-8 0.05 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-27 0.05 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGKV2-30 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-16 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-6 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGKV2D-29 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGKV2D-30 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGKV1D-16 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-6 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGKV1D-8 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGKV1D-17 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-8 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-16 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-13 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-5 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-27 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-6 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGKV2D-29 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGKV3D-20 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGKV1D-12 0.05 IGHV3-21 IGKV2D-29 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGKV2-30 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-27 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGKV2D-29 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-13 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGKV1D-43 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-6 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGKV2-29 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.05 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV1-2 IGKV2-30 0.05 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-8 0.05 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-6 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-8 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-16 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGKV2-24 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGKV2-29 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGKV1D-16 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGKV1D-8 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGKV3-20 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-27 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-8 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGKV1D-8 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-27 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-6 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGKV1D-8 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGKV4-1 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-8 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGKV3-11 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGKV1-16 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGKV1-13 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGKV1-5 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGKV3-11 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGKV2-29 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGKV3-20 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGKV4-1 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGKV2-24 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.05 IGHV1-3 IGKV1-5 0.05 IGHV1-3 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV1-3 IGKV2-30 0.05 IGHV1-3 IGKV1-6 0.05 IGHV1-3 IGKV2D-29 0.05 IGHV3-49 IGKV3-15 0.05 IGHV3-49 IGKV3-11 0.05 IGHV3-49 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV4-28 IGKV3-20 0.05 IGHV4-28 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGKV3-15 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGKV4-1 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV3-64 IGKV3-15 0.05 IGHV3-64 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV3-64 IGKV2D-29 0.05 IGHV7-81 IGKV1-5 0.05 IGHV7-81 IGKV4-1 0.05 IGHV7-81 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV3-13 IGKV1-5 0.05 IGHV3-13 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV3-13 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV3-13 IGKV2-30 0.05 IGHV3-72 IGKV3-20 0.05 IGHV3-72 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV3-72 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV3-72 IGKV1-16 0.05 IGHV3-73 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV3-73 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV1-58 IGKV1-5 0.05 IGHV1-58 IGKV4-1 0.05 IGHV1-58 IGKV3-11 0.05 IGHV4-30.2 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.05 IGHV4-30.2 IGKV4-1 0.05 IGHV7-4.1 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.05 IGHV7-4.1 IGKV1-5 0.05 IGHV3-20 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGLV 1-47 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGLV 7-43 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGLV 2-18 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGLV 3-19 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGLV 1-47 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGLV 6-57 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGLV 3-27 0.05 IGHV4-39 IGLV 7-46 0.05 IGHV4-39 IGLV 3-9 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGLV 6-57 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGLV 3-12 0.05 IGHV4-34 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-36 0.05 IGHV4-34 IGLV 7-43 0.05 IGHV4-34 IGLV 9-49 0.05 IGHV5-51 IGLV 7-43 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGLV 6-57 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGLV 3-10 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGLV 2-23 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGLV 3-1 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGLV 7-46 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGLV 3-27 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGLV 2-23 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGLV 1-36 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGLV 3-10 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV 1-44 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV 1-51 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV 2-23 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV 3-21 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV 7-46 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV 9-49 0.05 IGHV3-21 IGLV 2-23 0.05 IGHV3-21 IGLV 3-1 0.05 IGHV3-21 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV3-21 IGLV 6-57 0.05 IGHV3-21 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV3-21 IGLV 7-46 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV 2-14 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV 1-47 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV 2-23 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV 3-21 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV 6-57 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV 2-18 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV 3-22 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGLV 1-44 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGLV 3-1 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGLV 4-69 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGLV 7-43 0.05 IGHV1-2 IGLV 3-21 0.05 IGHV1-2 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV1-2 IGLV 3-27 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV 1-44 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV 1-51 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV 3-1 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV 4-69 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV 3-27 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV 9-49 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV 3-9 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGLV 1-51 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGLV 1-47 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGLV 2-23 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGLV 3-1 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGLV 7-46 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV 1-51 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV 1-47 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV 7-46 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV 9-49 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV 8-61 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGLV 1-51 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGLV 4-69 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGLV 4-60 0.05 IGHV3-74 IGLV 1-47 0.05 IGHV3-74 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV3-74 IGLV 3-1 0.05 IGHV3-74 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV3-74 IGLV 7-43 0.05 IGHV3-74 IGLV 7-46 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGLV 3-1 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGLV 9-49 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGLV 1-47 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGLV 2-23 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGLV 3-21 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGLV 6-57 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGLV 2-23 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGLV 3-21 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGLV 3-1 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGLV 7-43 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGLV 1-51 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGLV 9-49 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGLV 2-14 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGLV 1-44 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGLV 3-21 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV1-3 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV3-49 IGLV 2-14 0.05 IGHV3-49 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV3-49 IGLV 2-23 0.05 IGHV3-49 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV4-28 IGLV 2-14 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGLV 2-14 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGLV 3-1 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGLV 1-36 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGLV 9-49 0.05 IGHV3-64 IGLV 2-14 0.05 IGHV3-64 IGLV 7-43 0.05 IGHV7-81 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV3-13 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV3-13 IGLV 1-47 0.05 IGHV3-72 IGLV 1-51 0.05 IGHV3-72 IGLV 4-69 0.05 IGHV3-73 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV3-73 IGLV 1-51 0.05 IGHV3-73 IGLV 1-47 0.05 IGHV3-73 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV3-73 IGLV 6-57 0.05 IGHV1-58 IGLV 2-14 0.05 IGHV3-66 IGLV 1-44 0.05 IGHV3-66 IGLV 1-47 0.05 IGHV3-66 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV4-30.2 IGLV 3-21 0.05 IGHV7-4.1 IGLV 1-51 0.05 IGHV3-20 IGLV 2-14 0.05

Example 2.4 VH/VL Germline Gene Pair Usage in the “Naïve” Human Immune Repertoire

Additionally, the pooled data comprising the VH/VL germline gene pair data identified from the publically available literature as described in Example 2.1 and shown in FIGS. 4-26 and the VH/VL germline gene pair data identified from a human sample as described in Example 2.2 and shown in FIGS. 28-36 were analyzed in order to identify the germline gene usage in the naïve human repertoire. It is important to differentiate between the naïve, antigen inexperienced, and the antigen experienced B cell populations. Naïve, antigen inexperienced B cells include, but are not limited to immature B cells, new emigrant B cells, and mature naïve B cells, wherein the antibody sequences are still germline. Antigen experienced B cells include, but are not limited to, IgG antibody secreting cells, and IgM and IgG memory B cells, wherein the majority of the antibodies comprise somatic hypermutations.

It is believed that different germline gene pairs are overrepresented between the two B cell populations, of naïve, antigen inexperienced, B cells, and as compared to antigen experienced B cell populations. An aspect of the present disclosure is to generate a collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof that can be used to identify antibodies or functional fragments thereof against any immunogen, therefore, it may be preferable to produce a collection comprising the VH/VL germline protein pairs predominantly expressed in the naïve, antigen inexperienced, immune repertoire.

In order to identify the VH/VL germline gene pairs predominanty expressed in the naïve, antigen inexperienced, immune repertoire, the pooled data from the publically available literature as described in Example 2.1 and shown in FIGS. 4-26 and the VH/VL germline gene pair data identified from a human sample as described in Example 2.2 and shown in FIGS. 28-36 was analyzed to separate the antigen inexperienced B cells populations of immature B cells, new emigrant B cells, and mature naïve B cells, from the antigen experienced B cell populations. The ranking of VH/VL germline gene pairs representative of the naïve human immune repertoire is shown in Table 19.

TABLE 19 N = 1345 pos V heavy V light % 1 IGHV4-34 IGKV3-20 1.56 2 IGHV4-39 IGKV3-15 1.19 3 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.97 4 IGHV3-23 IGKV3-20 0.89 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.89 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.89 5 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.82 IGHV1-18 IGKV3-20 0.82 IGHV5-51 IGLV 1-40 0.82 6 IGHV4-39 IGKV3-20 0.74 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-5 0.74 IGHV4-59 IGKV3-20 0.74 7 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-5 0.67 IGHV3-23 IGKV3-15 0.67 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.67 IGHV3-30 IGKV3-11 0.67 IGHV1-69 IGKV3-20 0.67 IGHV4-39 IGLV 2-8 0.67 8 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.59 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-5 0.59 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.59 IGHV1-2 IGKV3-20 0.59 IGHV4-59 IGLV 1-40 0.59 IGHV4-34 IGLV 2-14 0.59 9 IGHV3-23 IGKV4-1 0.52 IGHV5-51 IGKV3-20 0.52 IGHV5-51 IGKV4-1 0.52 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-5 0.52 IGHV3-23 IGLV 2-14 0.52 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-51 0.52 IGHV1-69 IGLV 2-14 0.52 IGHV1-69 IGLV 1-40 0.52 10 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.45 IGHV3-30 IGKV3-20 0.45 IGHV3-30 IGKV4-1 0.45 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-9 0.45 IGHV4-59 IGKV4-1 0.45 IGHV4-34 IGKV3-15 0.45 IGHV4-34 IGKV4-1 0.45 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.45 IGHV3-48 IGKV3-20 0.45 IGHV3-48 IGKV3-11 0.45 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.45 IGHV3-21 IGKV3-15 0.45 IGHV3-15 IGKV3-20 0.45 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.45 IGHV3-30 IGLV 2-14 0.45 IGHV5-51 IGLV 2-14 0.45 IGHV3-21 IGLV 1-51 0.45 IGHV1-2 IGLV 2-14 0.45 11 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.37 IGHV3-30 IGKV3-15 0.37 IGHV4-39 IGKV3-11 0.37 IGHV1-69 IGKV4-1 0.37 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.37 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-5 0.37 IGHV1-18 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.37 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.37 IGHV3-48 IGKV3-15 0.37 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.37 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-5 0.37 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-5 0.37 IGHV4-31 IGKV3-11 0.37 IGHV3-33 IGKV3-20 0.37 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.37 IGHV3-23 IGLV 1-40 0.37 IGHV3-30 IGLV 1-51 0.37 IGHV4-39 IGLV 2-14 0.37 IGHV4-59 IGLV 3-1 0.37 IGHV1-18 IGLV 1-40 0.37 IGHV3-48 IGLV 2-14 0.37 IGHV4-31 IGLV 2-14 0.37 12 IGHV3-23 IGKV3-11 0.30 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-17 0.30 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-27 0.30 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.30 IGHV4-59 IGKV3-11 0.30 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-5 0.30 IGHV4-34 IGKV3-11 0.30 IGHV4-34 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.30 IGHV5-51 IGKV3-15 0.30 IGHV5-51 IGKV3-11 0.30 IGHV5-51 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.30 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-5 0.30 IGHV3-7 IGKV3-15 0.30 IGHV3-48 IGKV4-1 0.30 IGHV3-21 IGKV3-20 0.30 IGHV3-21 IGKV4-1 0.30 IGHV3-15 IGKV3-15 0.30 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.30 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.30 IGHV3-53 IGKV3-15 0.30 IGHV3-53 IGKV4-1 0.30 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.30 IGHV4-4 IGKV3-20 0.30 IGHV1-46 IGKV3-20 0.30 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.30 IGHV3-23 IGLV 3-21 0.30 IGHV3-23 IGLV 3-1 0.30 IGHV4-39 IGLV 1-40 0.30 IGHV4-39 IGLV 1-44 0.30 IGHV4-39 IGLV 1-51 0.30 IGHV4-59 IGLV 1-51 0.30 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-40 0.30 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-47 0.30 IGHV4-34 IGLV 2-8 0.30 IGHV5-51 IGLV 1-44 0.30 IGHV1-69 IGLV 1-51 0.30 IGHV1-69 IGLV 2-8 0.30 IGHV3-9 IGLV 2-14 0.30 IGHV3-9 IGLV 2-23 0.30 IGHV4-4 IGLV 1-44 0.30 IGHV4-61 IGLV 1-44 0.30 13 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-8 0.22 IGHV3-30 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.22 IGHV4-39 IGKV4-1 0.22 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-27 0.22 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.22 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.22 IGHV3-7 IGKV3-20 0.22 IGHV3-7 IGKV3-11 0.22 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-8 0.22 IGHV1-18 IGKV3-11 0.22 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-8 0.22 IGHV3-15 IGKV3-11 0.22 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.22 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.22 IGHV4-31 IGKV3-15 0.22 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.22 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.22 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-5 0.22 IGHV3-33 IGKV3-15 0.22 IGHV3-33 IGKV4-1 0.22 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-5 0.22 IGHV3-11 IGKV3-15 0.22 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.22 IGHV4-4 IGKV3-15 0.22 IGHV4-4 IGKV3-11 0.22 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-9 0.22 IGHV4-61 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.22 IGHV4-61 IGKV4-1 0.22 IGHV1-3 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.22 IGHV3-49 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.22 IGHV3-49 IGKV1-17 0.22 IGHV3-43 IGKV1-5 0.22 IGHV7-81 IGKV3-20 0.22 IGHV3-23 IGLV 2-23 0.22 IGHV3-23 IGLV 2-11 0.22 IGHV4-39 IGLV 2-23 0.22 IGHV1-69 IGLV 2-23 0.22 IGHV1-18 IGLV 2-14 0.22 IGHV3-48 IGLV 3-1 0.22 IGHV3-15 IGLV 1-44 0.22 IGHV4-31 IGLV 1-40 0.22 IGHV1-2 IGLV 1-40 0.22 IGHV1-2 IGLV 3-1 0.22 IGHV3-33 IGLV 2-14 0.22 IGHV3-33 IGLV 1-47 0.22 IGHV3-33 IGLV 3-21 0.22 IGHV3-9 IGLV 1-44 0.22 IGHV3-9 IGLV 1-47 0.22 IGHV3-9 IGLV 2-11 0.22 IGHV1-46 IGLV 1-44 0.22 IGHV1-8 IGLV 2-14 0.22 14 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-16 0.15 IGHV3-23 IGKV2D-29 0.15 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.15 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.15 IGHV3-30 IGKV1D-8 0.15 IGHV4-39 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV4-39 IGKV2-30 0.15 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-6 0.15 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-5 0.15 IGHV4-59 IGKV3-15 0.15 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.15 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.15 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-17 0.15 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-16 0.15 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-5 0.15 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.15 IGHV1-69 IGKV3-15 0.15 IGHV1-69 IGKV3-11 0.15 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-8 0.15 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-5 0.15 IGHV3-7 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV3-7 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-9 0.15 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-17 0.15 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-13 0.15 IGHV1-18 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV1-18 IGKV2-30 0.15 IGHV3-48 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-17 0.15 IGHV3-21 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-8 0.15 IGHV3-15 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV3-15 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-9 0.15 IGHV4-31 IGKV3-20 0.15 IGHV4-31 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV1-2 IGKV3-15 0.15 IGHV1-2 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-27 0.15 IGHV3-33 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-9 0.15 IGHV3-53 IGKV3-20 0.15 IGHV3-53 IGKV3-11 0.15 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-8 0.15 IGHV3-11 IGKV3-20 0.15 IGHV3-11 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV3-11 IGKV3-11 0.15 IGHV3-11 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-6 0.15 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-5 0.15 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-16 0.15 IGHV3-9 IGKV2D-29 0.15 IGHV3-74 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.15 IGHV3-74 IGKV1-5 0.15 IGHV3-74 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.15 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-5 0.15 IGHV4-4 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV4-4 IGKV2D-29 0.15 IGHV1-46 IGKV3-15 0.15 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-16 0.15 IGHV4-61 IGKV3-15 0.15 IGHV1-24 IGKV3-15 0.15 IGHV1-24 IGKV3-11 0.15 IGHV1-24 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV3-49 IGKV3-20 0.15 IGHV3-64 IGKV1-5 0.15 IGHV3-64 IGKV3-11 0.15 IGHV7-81 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.15 IGHV3-13 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.15 IGHV3-13 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV3-72 IGKV3-15 0.15 IGHV3-30 IGLV 1-40 0.15 IGHV3-30 IGLV 1-44 0.15 IGHV3-30 IGLV 2-23 0.15 IGHV3-30 IGLV 3-21 0.15 IGHV3-30 IGLV 9-49 0.15 IGHV4-39 IGLV 2-18 0.15 IGHV4-59 IGLV 2-23 0.15 IGHV4-59 IGLV 2-11 0.15 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-44 0.15 IGHV4-34 IGLV 2-23 0.15 IGHV4-34 IGLV 3-25 0.15 IGHV5-51 IGLV 1-47 0.15 IGHV5-51 IGLV 2-23 0.15 IGHV5-51 IGLV 3-21 0.15 IGHV5-51 IGLV 1-36 0.15 IGHV5-51 IGLV 3-25 0.15 IGHV1-69 IGLV 1-44 0.15 IGHV1-69 IGLV 2-11 0.15 IGHV1-69 IGLV 3-1 0.15 IGHV1-18 IGLV 1-44 0.15 IGHV1-18 IGLV 2-8 0.15 IGHV1-18 IGLV 6-57 0.15 IGHV3-48 IGLV 1-47 0.15 IGHV3-21 IGLV 2-14 0.15 IGHV3-21 IGLV 1-47 0.15 IGHV3-21 IGLV 2-11 0.15 IGHV3-15 IGLV 7-46 0.15 IGHV4-31 IGLV 1-51 0.15 IGHV4-31 IGLV 1-47 0.15 IGHV4-31 IGLV 2-23 0.15 IGHV1-2 IGLV 1-44 0.15 IGHV1-2 IGLV 1-51 0.15 IGHV1-2 IGLV 2-23 0.15 IGHV1-2 IGLV 2-8 0.15 IGHV3-11 IGLV 3-21 0.15 IGHV3-11 IGLV 3-1 0.15 IGHV3-9 IGLV 3-21 0.15 IGHV3-74 IGLV 3-21 0.15 IGHV4-4 IGLV 2-14 0.15 IGHV4-4 IGLV 1-51 0.15 IGHV1-46 IGLV 1-51 0.15 IGHV4-61 IGLV 2-11 0.15 IGHV1-24 IGLV 2-23 0.15 IGHV1-3 IGLV 2-14 0.15 IGHV1-3 IGLV 3-1 0.15 IGHV4-28 IGLV 1-44 0.15 IGHV4-28 IGLV 1-36 0.15 IGHV3-43 IGLV 1-51 0.15 15 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-9 0.07 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-12 0.07 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-29 0.07 IGHV3-23 IGKV3D-20 0.07 IGHV3-23 IGKV1D-12 0.07 IGHV3-30 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-16 0.07 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-6 0.07 IGHV3-30 IGKV2D-29 0.07 IGHV3-30 IGKV2-24 0.07 IGHV3-30 IGKV2D-30 0.07 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-17 0.07 IGHV4-59 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-17 0.07 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-8 0.07 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-16 0.07 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-12 0.07 IGHV4-59 IGKV1D-17 0.07 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-9 0.07 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-8 0.07 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-12 0.07 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-17 0.07 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV1-69 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV1-69 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-16 0.07 IGHV1-69 IGKV2D-29 0.07 IGHV1-69 IGKV2D-30 0.07 IGHV1-69 IGKV1D-16 0.07 IGHV1-69 IGKV3D-15 0.07 IGHV3-7 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV3-7 IGKV1D-8 0.07 IGHV3-7 IGKV1D-17 0.07 IGHV1-18 IGKV3-15 0.07 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-8 0.07 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-16 0.07 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-12 0.07 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-13 0.07 IGHV1-18 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-5 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-9 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-16 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-6 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV2D-29 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV3D-20 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV1D-12 0.07 IGHV3-21 IGKV3-11 0.07 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV3-21 IGKV2D-29 0.07 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV3-15 IGKV2D-29 0.07 IGHV3-15 IGKV1D-43 0.07 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-5 0.07 IGHV4-31 IGKV4-1 0.07 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-17 0.07 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-6 0.07 IGHV4-31 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.07 IGHV1-2 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.07 IGHV1-2 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-8 0.07 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-6 0.07 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-5 0.07 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.07 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-8 0.07 IGHV3-53 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-9 0.07 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-17 0.07 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-12 0.07 IGHV3-53 IGKV2-29 0.07 IGHV3-53 IGKV1D-16 0.07 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.07 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-9 0.07 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-17 0.07 IGHV3-11 IGKV1D-8 0.07 IGHV3-9 IGKV3-15 0.07 IGHV3-9 IGKV4-1 0.07 IGHV3-9 IGKV3-11 0.07 IGHV3-9 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-8 0.07 IGHV3-9 IGKV1D-8 0.07 IGHV3-74 IGKV3-20 0.07 IGHV3-74 IGKV3-15 0.07 IGHV3-74 IGKV3-11 0.07 IGHV3-74 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV4-4 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-17 0.07 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV4-4 IGKV1D-8 0.07 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-5 0.07 IGHV1-46 IGKV4-1 0.07 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.07 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-8 0.07 IGHV4-61 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV4-61 IGKV1-16 0.07 IGHV4-61 IGKV1-12 0.07 IGHV1-8 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.07 IGHV1-8 IGKV3-15 0.07 IGHV1-8 IGKV4-1 0.07 IGHV1-8 IGKV3-11 0.07 IGHV1-8 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV1-8 IGKV1-9 0.07 IGHV1-8 IGKV2-29 0.07 IGHV1-24 IGKV3-20 0.07 IGHV1-24 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.07 IGHV1-24 IGKV4-1 0.07 IGHV1-24 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.07 IGHV1-24 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV1-24 IGKV2-24 0.07 IGHV1-3 IGKV1-5 0.07 IGHV1-3 IGKV3-15 0.07 IGHV1-3 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.07 IGHV1-3 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV1-3 IGKV2D-29 0.07 IGHV3-49 IGKV1-5 0.07 IGHV3-49 IGKV3-15 0.07 IGHV3-49 IGKV3-11 0.07 IGHV3-49 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV3-43 IGKV4-1 0.07 IGHV3-43 IGKV3-11 0.07

Example 3 Determining the VH and VL Germline Gene Usage

A review of Tables 18-19 from Examples 2.3-4, show that a small number of VH, Vκ, and Vλ germline genes are dominant in the human immune repertoire, and in the naïve human immune repertoire as compared to the total number of germline genes. Wildt et al. at 895-896 also described this phenomenon. Wildt et al. also described that the frequently expressed heavy and light chain gene segments are often paired, and observed that half of the pairings sampled corresponded to only five VH/VL germline gene pairs.

Additionally, the pooled data was evaluated to identify the VH, Vκ, and Vλ germline genes that are independently highly expressed in the human immune repertoire. Therefore, the data comprising the VH/VL germline gene pairs identified from the publically available literature as described in Example 2.1 and shown in FIGS. 4-26; the VH/VL germline gene pairs identified from a human sample as described in Example 2.2 and shown in FIGS. 28-36, and additional literature references, which included unpaired VH and/or VL germline gene expression, (see Brezinschek H. P. et al. (1997) J. Clin. Invest. 99, 2488, Demaison C. et al. (1995) Immunogenetics 42, 342, and Foster S. J. et al. (1997) J. Clin. Invest. 99, 1614, which articles are both incorporated by reference in their entireties) were pooled and ranked, in order to determine which VH, Vκ, and Vλ germline genes were the most highly expressed in the human immune repertoire. Table 20 shows the ranking of the prevalence of VH, Vλ and Vκ germline genes.

TABLE 20 Unpaired VH, Vκ, and Vλ germline gene usage in the human immune repertoire VH n = 2463 1 IGHV3-23 10.6 2 IGHV3-30 8.0 3 IGHV4-39 7.6 4 IGHV4-34 6.8 5 IGHV4-59 5.8 6 IGHV1-69 5.3 7 IGHV5-51 4.6 8 IGHV3-7 4.5 9 IGHV1-18 4.1 10 IGHV3-48 4.0 11 IGHV3-15 3.3 12 IGHV3-21 3.3 13 IGHV1-2 3.2 14 IGHV3-33 3.0 15 IGHV4-31 3.0 16 IGHV3-53 2.7 17 IGHV3-11 2.6 18 IGHV3-9 2.2 19 IGHV4-4 2.1 20 IGHV1-46 2.1 21 IGHV3-74 1.6 22 IGHV1-24 1.1 23 IGHV4-61 1.1 24 IGHV1-8 1.1 25 IGHV1-3 1.0 26 IGHV3-49 1.0 27 IGHV3-43 0.6 28 IGHV4-28 0.6 29 IGHV3-64 0.5 30 IGHV7-81 0.5 31 IGHV3-13 0.4 32 IGHV3-72 0.4 33 IGHV1-58 0.3 34 IGHV3-73 0.3 35 IGHV3-66 0.2 36 IGHV7-4.1 0.2 37 IGHV2-5 0.1 38 IGHV4-30.2 0.1 39 IGHV3-20 0.1 40 IGHV6-1 0.0 41 IGHV1-e 0.0 42 IGHV1-f 0.0 43 IGHV1-45 0.0 44 IGHV2-26 0.0 45 IGHV2-70 0.0 46 IGHV3-d 0.0 47 IGHV4-b 0.0 48 IGHV4-30.4 0.0 49 IGHV5-a 0.0 Vκ n = 1656 1 IGKV3-20 16.2 2 IGKV1-39/1D-39 14.2 3 IGKV1-5 11.2 4 IGKV3-15 11.1 5 IGKV4-1 8.5 6 IGKV3-11 7.6 7 IGKV2-28/2D-28 6.0 8 IGKV1-33/1D-33 4.6 9 IGKV2-30 2.6 10 IGKV1-9 2.4 11 IGKV1-17 2.4 12 IGKV1-27 2.2 13 IGKV1-8 1.9 14 IGKV1-16 1.3 15 IGKV1-6 1.1 16 IGKV1-12 1.1 17 IGKV2D-29 1.0 18 IGKV1-13 0.7 19 IGKV1D-8 0.5 20 IGKV2-24 0.5 21 IGKV5-2 0.4 22 IGKV1D-12 0.3 23 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.3 24 IGKV3D-20 0.3 25 IGKV1D-43 0.2 26 IGKV2D-30 0.2 27 IGKV3D-11 0.2 28 IGKV3D-15 0.2 29 IGKV2-29 0.2 30 IGKV1D-16 0.1 31 IGKV1D-17 0.1 32 IGKV3D-7 0.1 33 IGKV6-21/6D-21 0.1 34 IGKV6D-41 0.1 35 IGKV1D-13 0.0 Vλ n = 780 1 IGLV2-14 18.1 2 IGLV1-40 11.3 3 IGLV1-44 11.3 4 IGLV1-51 10.0 5 IGLV2-23 8.1 6 IGLV3-21 8.1 7 IGLV1-47 6.5 8 IGLV3-1 5.3 9 IGLV2-11 5.1 10 IGLV2-8 4.5 11 IGLV6-57 1.7 12 IGLV3-25 1.5 13 IGLV7-46 1.5 14 IGLV1-36 1.2 15 IGLV7-43 1.2 16 IGLV9-49 1.2 17 IGLV4-69 1.0 18 IGLV2-18 0.6 19 IGLV3-10 0.5 20 IGLV3-27 0.5 21 IGLV3-9 0.3 22 IGLV3-12 0.1 23 IGLV3-19 0.1 24 IGLV3-22 0.1 25 IGLV4-60 0.1 26 IGLV8-61 0.1 27 IGLV3-16 0.0 28 IGLV4-3 0.0 29 IGLV5-37 0.0 30 IGLV5-39 0.0 31 IGLV5-45 0.0 32 IGLV5-52 0.0 33 IGLV10-54 0.0

In comparing Table 20, showing the unlinked VH, Vλ and Vκ germline gene prevalence and Tables 18-19, showing the linked VH/VL pair germline gene prevalence within the human immune repertoire and the naïve human immune repertoire, it was apparent that many of the VH, Vλ and Vκ germline genes that are highly represented when evaluated independent of linkage or pairing were also highly represented when evaluated in the VH/VL pairings.

This observation is confirmed by the plots shown in FIGS. 39-40, which show the VH/VL germline gene pairs of the human immune repertoire and FIGS. 41-42, which show the VH/VL germline gene pairs of the naïve human immune repertoire. The Figs. show the actual number of each VH/VL germline gene pair identified from the pooled data, plotted on a matrix, where the Y axis includes the ranking of the VH germline genes, and the X axis includes the ranking of the VL germline genes.

Example 4 Selecting the VH/VL Germline Gene Pairings for Further Evaluation of their Biophysical Properties

As a next step, it had to be determined which germline protein pairs were to be tested, as there are ˜2500 pairs in the human immune repertoire and the inventors goal was to identify which of the germline protein pairs comprises favorable biophysical properties which would aid in selection and development. One way would be to test the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pairs that occur most prominently in the human immune repertoire, for example see Table 18. One could, for example, select the top four hundred pairs for testing, or select the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline gene pairs expressed above a certain threshold concentration. This approach would require the synthesis and testing of a large number of variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein pair sequences; therefore, such an approach may not be very efficient.

As an alternative approach, the inventors selected a subset of the variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline pairs that are representative of, accurately reproduce, or cover the majority of the prominently expressed pairs from the human immune repertoire. This approach was based, in part, upon the above observation that a small number of variable heavy, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline genes are dominant in the human immune repertoire. Therefore, a small number of the prominently expressed heavy and light chain germline genes (unpaired) can be combined to generate a group of pairs that are representative of the human immune repertoire.

This approach was undertaken in the following way. In Example 3, the variable heavy chain, variable κ light chain, and variable λ light chain germline gene expression was determined. As a next step, an in silico analysis was completed of the prominent VH, Vλ and Vκ germline genes, where at least the following factors were evaluated: CDR length, isoelectric point (pl) (the preferred isoelectric point is 7.5 or above as this is should provide stability in a standard pH 5.5 to pH 7 formulation buffer), post translational modifications (PTM's) (specifically, N-linked glycosylation sites (N×S or N×T) or chemical modifications such as Asp cleavage (often at a DP), Asp isomerization (DD, DG), deamidation (NS, NG) which can occur in vivo (in serum) or upon storage in formulation buffer and lead to loss of antibody binding), the presence of Methionines in the CDRs (can be oxidized when exposed to solvent), the presence of unpaired Cysteines (will form disulfide bonds with any other unpaired cysteine, thus leading to crosslinking of proteins and/or lower expression levels), deviations from germline, the presence of possible T-cell epitopes, and theoretical aggregation propensity. Selected data from the in silico analysis is shown in FIGS. 37-38.

Based upon the in silico analysis of the most prominent VH, Vλ and Vκ germline genes, a subset of these were selected for synthesis, combination and subsequent functional testing, this subset is shown in FIGS. 37-38. As shown, not all of the most prominent VH, Vλ and Vκ germline genes were selected for further testing. Of the most prominent VH germline genes, as shown in Table 20, IGHV4-34, IGHV4-59, and IGHV3-9 were not selected. Instead, as shown in FIG. 37-38, and Table 21, IGHV3-74, IGHV3-73, and IGHV6-1 were selected. In total, 20 VH germline genes were selected. Of the most prominent Vκ germline genes, as shown in Table 20, IGKV4-1, IGKV2-28/2D-28, IGKV1-33/1D-33, and IGKV1-8 were not selected. In total, 12 Vκ germline genes were selected. Of the most prominent VH germline genes as shown in Table 20, IGLV1-44 was not selected. In total, 8 Vλ germline genes were selected.

Table 21 shows again the ranking of the VH, Vκ, and Vλ germline gene usage from the human immune repertoire and bolds and underlines the germline genes that were selected for further functional testing.

TABLE 21 Ranking of the prevalence of VH, Vλ and Vκ germline genes from publically available data and a human B cell sample and identification of VH, Vλ and Vκ germline genesthat were selected for further functional testing are bold and underlined. VH n = 2463   1 IGHV3-23 10.6     2 IGHV3-30 8.0   3 IGHV4-39 7.6  4 IGHV4-34 6.8  5 IGHV4-59 5.8   6 IGHV1-69 5.3   7 IGHV5-51 4.6   8 IGHV3-7 4.5   9 IGHV1-18 4.1 10 IGHV3-48 4.0 11 IGHV3-15 3.3 12 IGHV3-21 3.3 13 IGHV1-2 3.2 14 IGHV3-33 3.0 15 IGHV4-31 3.0 16 IGHV3-53 2.7 17 IGHV3-11 2.6 18 IGHV3-9 2.2 19 IGHV4-4 2.1 20 IGHV1-46 2.1 21 IGHV3-74 1.6 22 IGHV1-24 1.1 23 IGHV4-61 1.1 24 IGHV1-8 1.1 25 IGHV1-3 1.0 26 IGHV3-49 1.0 27 IGHV3-43 0.6 28 IGHV4-28 0.6 29 IGHV3-64 0.5 30 IGHV7-81 0.5 31 IGHV3-13 0.4 32 IGHV3-72 0.4 33 IGHV1-58 0.3 34 IGHV3-73 0.3 35 IGHV3-66 0.2 36 IGHV7-4.1 0.2 37 IGHV2-5 0.1 38 IGHV4-30.2 0.1 39 IGHV3-20 0.1 40 IGHV6-1 0.0 41 IGHV1-e 0.0 42 IGHV1-f 0.0 43 IGHV1-45 0.0 44 IGHV2-26 0.0 45 IGHV2-70 0.0 46 IGHV3-d 0.0 47 IGHV4-b 0.0 48 IGHV4-30.4 0.0 49 IGHV5-a 0.0 Vκ n = 1656   1 IGKV3-20 16.2     2 IGKV1-39/1D-39 14.2     3 IGKV1-5 11.2     4 IGKV3-15 11.1    5 IGKV4-1 8.5   6 IGKV3-11 7.6  7 IGKV2-28/2D-28 6.0  8 IGKV1-33/1D-33 4.6   9 IGKV2-30 2.6 10 IGKV1-9 2.4 11 IGKV1-17 2.4 12 IGKV1-27 2.2 13 IGKV1-8 1.9 14 IGKV1-16 1.3 15 IGKV1-6 1.1 16 IGKV1-12 1.1 17 IGKV2D-29 1.0 18 IGKV1-13 0.7 19 IGKV1D-8 0.5 20 IGKV2-24 0.5 21 IGKV5-2 0.4 22 IGKV1D-12 0.3 23 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.3 24 IGKV3D-20 0.3 25 IGKV1D-43 0.2 26 IGKV2D-30 0.2 27 IGKV3D-11 0.2 28 IGKV3D-15 0.2 29 IGKV2-29 0.2 30 IGKV1D-16 0.1 31 IGKV1D-17 0.1 32 IGKV3D-7 0.1 33 IGKV6-21/6D-21 0.1 34 IGKV6D-41 0.1 35 IGKV1D-13 0.0 Vλ n = 780   1 IGLV2-14 18.1     2 IGLV1-40 11.3    3 IGLV1-44 11.3    4 IGLV1-51 10.0     5 IGLV2-23 8.1   6 IGLV3-21 8.1   7 IGLV1-47 6.5   8 IGLV3-1 5.3   9 IGLV2-11 5.1 10 IGLV2-8 4.5 11 IGLV6-57 1.7 12 IGLV3-25 1.5 13 IGLV7-46 1.5 14 IGLV1-36 1.2 15 IGLV7-43 1.2 16 IGLV9-49 1.2 17 IGLV4-69 1.0 18 IGLV2-18 0.6 19 IGLV3-10 0.5 20 IGLV3-27 0.5 21 IGLV3-9 0.3 22 IGLV3-12 0.1 23 IGLV3-19 0.1 24 IGLV3-22 0.1 25 IGLV4-60 0.1 26 IGLV8-61 0.1 27 IGLV3-16 0.0 28 IGLV4-3 0.0 29 IGLV5-37 0.0 30 IGLV5-39 0.0 31 IGLV5-45 0.0 32 IGLV5-52 0.0 33 IGLV10-54 0.0

Example 4.1 Recombination of Abundant VH, Vκ, and Vλ Germline Genes to Yield Representation of VH/VL Most Prominent Pairs in the Human Immune Repertoire

As discussed above, and shown in Tables 21, and FIGS. 39-40, 41-42, the 20 VH, 12 Vκ and 8 Vλ selected, when combined accurately reproduce or cover the majority of the prominently expressed VH/VL germline gene pairs from the human immune repertoire and the naïve human immune repertoire.

As a next step, the 20 VH, 12 Vκ and 8 Vλ selected VH, Vκ, and Vλ germline genes were synthesized and combined to generate 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs that accurately reproduce or cover the majority of the prominently expressed VH/VL germline gene pairs in the human immune repertoire. The 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs were then tested for their biophysical properties.

Table 22 shows the selected VH, Vκ, and Vλ germline genes to be combined to generate the 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs.

TABLE 22 VH Vκ Vλ  1. IGHV3-23  1. IGKV3-20 1. IGLV2-14  2. IGHV3-30  2. IGKV1-39/1D-39 2. IGLV1-40  3. IGHV4-39  3. IGKV1-5 3. IGLV1-51  4. IGHV1-69  4. IGKV3-15 4. IGLV2-23  5. IGHV5-51  5. IGKV3-11 5. IGLV3-21  6. IGHV3-7  6. IGKV2-30 6. IGLV1-47  7. IGHV1-18  7. IGKV1-9 7. IGLV3-1  8. IGHV3-48  8. IGKV1-17 8. IGLV2-11  9. IGHV3-15  9. IGKV1-27 10. IGHV3-21 10. IGKV1-16 11. IGHV1-2 11. IGKV1-6 12. IGHV3-33 12. IGKV1-12 13. IGHV4-31 14. IGHV3-53 15. IGHV3-11 16. IGHV4-4 17. IGHV1-46 18. IGHV3-74 19. IGHV3-73 20. IGHV6-1

To show that the 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs generated for functional testing do, in fact, accurately reproduce or cover the majority of the prominently expressed VH/VL germline gene pairs in the human immune repertoire, Table 18 is reproduced below as Table 23, wherein the 400 VH/VL pairs that were tested are bolded and underlined.

TABLE 23 The 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs functional tested are representative of the VH/VL germline gene pairs identified in the human immune repertoire pos V heavy V light %   1 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-5 1.26  2 IGHV4-34 IGKV3-20 1.17   3 IGHV3-23 IGKV3-20 1.12   4 IGHV4-39 IGKV3-15 1.03   5 IGHV3-23 IGKV3-15 0.94  6 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.89   7 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.84 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.84  8 IGHV4-59 IGKV3-20 0.70 IGHV1-18 IGKV3-20 0.70   9 IGHV3-30 IGKV3-20 0.66 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-5 0.66 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.66 IGHV5-51 IGLV   1-40 0.66 10 IGHV3-23 IGKV4-1 0.61 IGHV4-39 IGKV3-20 0.61 IGHV3-23 IGLV   2-14 0.61 IGHV4-39 IGLV   3-21 0.61 11 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.56 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.56 IGHV3-30 IGKV3-11 0.56 IGHV1-69 IGKV3-20 0.56 IGHV3-48 IGKV3-20 0.56 IGHV1-2 IGKV3-20 0.56 12 IGHV3-30 IGKV4-1 0.51 IGHV5-51 IGLV   2-14 0.51 13 IGHV4-59 IGKV4-1 0.47 IGHV5-51 IGKV3-20 0.47 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.47 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-5 0.47 IGHV3-15 IGKV3-20 0.47 IGHV4-39 IGLV   2-14 0.47 IGHV4-39 IGLV 2-8 0.47 IGHV4-34 IGLV 2-14 0.47 14 IGHV3-23 IGKV3-11 0.42 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-5 0.42 IGHV3-30 IGKV3-15 0.42 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-5 0.42 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-5 0.42 IGHV3-21 IGKV3-15 0.42 IGHV3-30 IGLV   1-51 0.42 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-51 0.42 IGHV3-21 IGLV   1-51 0.42 IGHV3-53 IGLV 1-44 0.42 15 IGHV4-59 IGKV3-15 0.37 IGHV4-34 IGKV3-15 0.37 IGHV5-51 IGKV4-1 0.37 IGHV1-69 IGKV4-1 0.37 IGHV1-69 IGKV3-11 0.37 IGHV3-7 IGKV3-15 0.37 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.37 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.37 IGHV3-33 IGKV3-15 0.37 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-5 0.37 IGHV4-59 IGLV 1-40 0.37 IGHV1-69 IGLV   2-14 0.37 IGHV1-69 IGLV 1-44 0.37 IGHV4-31 IGLV   2-14 0.37 IGHV1-2 IGLV   2-14 0.37 16 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.33 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-9 0.33 IGHV4-34 IGKV4-1 0.33 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.33 IGHV5-51 IGKV3-15 0.33 IGHV1-69 IGKV3-15 0.33 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.33 IGHV3-48 IGKV3-11 0.33 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.33 IGHV4-31 IGKV3-20 0.33 IGHV4-31 IGKV3-11 0.33 IGHV3-30 IGLV   2-14 0.33 IGHV4-39 IGLV 1-44 0.33 IGHV1-69 IGLV   1-40 0.33 IGHV3-9 IGLV 2-23 0.33 17 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.28 IGHV4-39 IGKV3-11 0.28 IGHV4-34 IGKV3-11 0.28 IGHV4-34 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.28 IGHV5-51 IGKV3-11 0.28 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-13 0.28 IGHV3-7 IGKV3-20 0.28 IGHV3-48 IGKV3-15 0.28 IGHV3-48 IGKV4-1 0.28 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.28 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.28 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-5 0.28 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.28 IGHV3-33 IGKV3-20 0.28 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.28 IGHV3-33 IGKV4-1 0.28 IGHV3-53 IGKV3-15 0.28 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-5 0.28 IGHV4-4 IGKV3-20 0.28 IGHV1-46 IGKV3-20 0.28 IGHV3-23 IGLV   1-40 0.28 IGHV3-23 IGLV   3-21 0.28 IGHV4-39 IGLV   1-40 0.28 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-40 0.28 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-47 0.28 IGHV3-48 IGLV   2-14 0.28 IGHV3-48 IGLV   1-47 0.28 IGHV1-2 IGLV   1-40 0.28 IGHV3-9 IGLV 2-14 0.28 IGHV4-4 IGLV 1-44 0.28 18 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-17 0.23 IGHV4-39 IGKV4-1 0.23 IGHV4-39 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.23 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-5 0.23 IGHV3-7 IGKV4-1 0.23 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-5 0.23 IGHV1-18 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.23 IGHV3-21 IGKV3-20 0.23 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-5 0.23 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.23 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.23 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.23 IGHV3-11 IGKV3-15 0.23 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.23 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.23 IGHV4-61 IGKV4-1 0.23 IGHV3-23 IGLV 1-44 0.23 IGHV3-23 IGLV   2-11 0.23 IGHV3-23 IGLV   3-1 0.23 IGHV3-30 IGLV   1-40 0.23 IGHV4-39 IGLV   1-51 0.23 IGHV4-39 IGLV   2-23 0.23 IGHV4-59 IGLV 3-1 0.23 IGHV5-51 IGLV 1-44 0.23 IGHV1-69 IGLV   1-51 0.23 IGHV1-69 IGLV   2-11 0.23 IGHV1-18 IGLV   2-14 0.23 IGHV1-18 IGLV   1-40 0.23 IGHV3-21 IGLV   2-14 0.23 IGHV1-2 IGLV 1-44 0.23 19 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-27 0.19 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-8 0.19 IGHV3-30 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.19 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.19 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-27 0.19 IGHV4-59 IGKV3-11 0.19 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-5 0.19 IGHV5-51 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.19 IGHV3-7 IGKV3-11 0.19 IGHV3-7 IGKV2-30 0.19 IGHV1-18 IGKV3-15 0.19 IGHV1-18 IGKV3-11 0.19 IGHV3-21 IGKV4-1 0.19 IGHV3-15 IGKV3-15 0.19 IGHV3-15 IGKV4-1 0.19 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.19 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.19 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-5 0.19 IGHV4-31 IGKV3-15 0.19 IGHV4-31 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.19 IGHV3-33 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.19 IGHV3-53 IGKV4-1 0.19 IGHV3-53 IGKV3-11 0.19 IGHV3-74 IGKV3-20 0.19 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-5 0.19 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-9 0.19 IGHV1-8 IGKV3-15 0.19 IGHV1-24 IGKV3-11 0.19 IGHV1-3 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.19 IGHV3-49 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.19 IGHV3-23 IGLV   2-23 0.19 IGHV3-30 IGLV 1-44 0.19 IGHV4-59 IGLV 2-14 0.19 IGHV4-59 IGLV 1-44 0.19 IGHV4-59 IGLV 1-51 0.19 IGHV4-34 IGLV 2-8 0.19 IGHV5-51 IGLV   1-47 0.19 IGHV1-69 IGLV 2-8 0.19 IGHV3-7 IGLV   1-40 0.19 IGHV3-15 IGLV 1-44 0.19 IGHV4-31 IGLV   2-23 0.19 IGHV3-33 IGLV   2-14 0.19 IGHV3-33 IGLV   1-47 0.19 IGHV3-33 IGLV   -23 0.19 IGHV3-33 IGLV   3-21 0.19 IGHV3-9 IGLV 1-44 0.19 IGHV4-4 IGLV   2-14 0.19 IGHV1-46 IGLV   1-51 0.19 IGHV4-61 IGLV 1-44 0.19 IGHV1-8 IGLV 2-14 0.19 IGHV4-28 IGLV 2-23 0.19 20 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-9 0.14 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-16 0.14 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-6 0.14 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-5 0.14 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-27 0.14 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.14 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.14 IGHV1-69 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.14 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.14 IGHV3-7 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.14 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-8 0.14 IGHV3-48 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.14 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-8 0.14 IGHV3-15 IGKV3-11 0.14 IGHV3-15 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.14 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-9 0.14 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.14 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-5 0.14 IGHV1-2 IGKV4-1 0.14 IGHV3-11 IGKV3-20 0.14 IGHV3-11 IGKV3-11 0.14 IGHV3-11 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.14 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.14 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-5 0.14 IGHV3-9 IGKV4-1 0.14 IGHV3-9 IGKV2D-29 0.14 IGHV3-74 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.14 IGHV3-74 IGKV1-5 0.14 IGHV3-74 IGKV3-15 0.14 IGHV3-74 IGKV4-1 0.14 IGHV4-4 IGKV3-15 0.14 IGHV4-4 IGKV4-1 0.14 IGHV4-4 IGKV3-11 0.14 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-5 0.14 IGHV1-46 IGKV3-15 0.14 IGHV4-61 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.14 IGHV1-24 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.14 IGHV1-24 IGKV3-15 0.14 IGHV1-3 IGKV3-15 0.14 IGHV3-49 IGKV1-17 0.14 IGHV3-43 IGKV1-5 0.14 IGHV7-81 IGKV3-20 0.14 IGHV3-13 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.14 IGHV3-23 IGLV   1-51 0.14 IGHV3-30 IGLV   3-21 0.14 IGHV3-30 IGLV   3-1 0.14 IGHV4-39 IGLV   1-47 0.14 IGHV4-39 IGLV 2-18 0.14 IGHV4-59 IGLV 1-47 0.14 IGHV5-51 IGLV   2-23 0.14 IGHV5-51 IGLV   3-21 0.14 IGHV1-69 IGLV   2-23 0.14 IGHV3-7 IGLV 1-44 0.14 IGHV3-7 IGLV   1-51 0.14 IGHV3-7 IGLV   1-47 0.14 IGHV3-7 IGLV   3-21 0.14 IGHV1-18 IGLV 1-44 0.14 IGHV1-18 IGLV 1-51 0.14 IGHV3-48 IGLV   3-1 0.14 IGHV3-21 IGLV   1-47 0.14 IGHV3-15 IGLV 7-46 0.14 IGHV4-31 IGLV   1-40 0.14 IGHV4-31 IGLV   1-51 0.14 IGHV4-31 IGLV   1-47 0.14 IGHV1-2 IGLV   1-51 0.14 IGHV1-2 IGLV   2-23 0.14 IGHV1-2 IGLV   3-1 0.14 IGHV3-11 IGLV   2-14 0.14 IGHV3-11 IGLV 1-44 0.14 IGHV3-11 IGLV   2-11 0.14 IGHV3-11 IGLV   3-1 0.14 IGHV3-9 IGLV 1-47 0.14 IGHV3-9 IGLV 2-11 0.14 IGHV3-74 IGLV   2-23 0.14 IGHV3-74 IGLV   3-21 0.14 IGHV4-4 IGLV   1-40 0.14 IGHV1-46 IGLV   2-14 0.14 IGHV1-46 IGLV 1-44 0.14 IGHV4-61 IGLV 2-14 0.14 21 IGHV3-23 IGKV2D-29 0.09 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-29 0.09 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGKV2-30 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-8 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-6 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGKV2-24 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGKV1D-8 0.09 IGHV4-39 IGKV2-30 0.09 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.09 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-12 0.09 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-9 0.09 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-17 0.09 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-16 0.09 IGHV5-51 IGKV2-30 0.09 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-27 0.09 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-8 0.09 IGHV1-69 IGKV3D-15 0.09 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-9 0.09 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-17 0.09 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-27 0.09 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-13 0.09 IGHV1-18 IGKV4-1 0.09 IGHV1-18 IGKV2-30 0.09 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-9 0.09 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-17 0.09 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-16 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGKV3-11 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-27 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-8 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-6 0.09 IGHV4-31 IGKV4-1 0.09 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-17 0.09 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-27 0.09 IGHV1-2 IGKV3-15 0.09 IGHV1-2 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.09 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-27 0.09 IGHV3-33 IGKV3-11 0.09 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.09 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-9 0.09 IGHV3-53 IGKV3-20 0.09 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-27 0.09 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-8 0.09 IGHV3-11 IGKV4-1 0.09 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-6 0.09 IGHV3-9 IGKV3-15 0.09 IGHV3-9 IGKV3-11 0.09 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-16 0.09 IGHV3-74 IGKV3-11 0.09 IGHV3-74 IGKV2-30 0.09 IGHV4-4 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.09 IGHV4-4 IGKV2D-29 0.09 IGHV1-46 IGKV3-11 0.09 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-27 0.09 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-16 0.09 IGHV4-61 IGKV3-15 0.09 IGHV1-8 IGKV3-20 0.09 IGHV1-8 IGKV4-1 0.09 IGHV1-24 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.09 IGHV1-24 IGKV2-30 0.09 IGHV1-3 IGKV3-20 0.09 IGHV3-49 IGKV3-20 0.09 IGHV3-49 IGKV1-5 0.09 IGHV3-43 IGKV3-11 0.09 IGHV3-64 IGKV1-5 0.09 IGHV3-64 IGKV3-11 0.09 IGHV7-81 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.09 IGHV3-13 IGKV4-1 0.09 IGHV3-72 IGKV1-5 0.09 IGHV3-72 IGKV3-15 0.09 IGHV1-58 IGKV3-20 0.09 IGHV3-66 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.09 IGHV3-23 IGLV 1-36 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGLV   2-23 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGLV   2-11 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGLV 9-49 0.09 IGHV3-30 IGLV 3-10 0.09 IGHV4-39 IGLV   3-1 0.09 IGHV4-39 IGLV 6-57 0.09 IGHV4-59 IGLV 2-23 0.09 IGHV4-59 IGLV 3-21 0.09 IGHV4-59 IGLV 2-11 0.09 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-44 0.09 IGHV4-34 IGLV 2-23 0.09 IGHV4-34 IGLV 3-21 0.09 IGHV4-34 IGLV 3-25 0.09 IGHV5-51 IGLV 1-36 0.09 IGHV5-51 IGLV 3-25 0.09 IGHV1-69 IGLV   1-47 0.09 IGHV1-69 IGLV   3-21 0.09 IGHV1-69 IGLV   3-1 0.09 IGHV3-7 IGLV   2-14 0.09 IGHV1-18 IGLV 2-8 0.09 IGHV1-18 IGLV 6-57 0.09 IGHV3-48 IGLV   2-11 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGLV   1-40 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGLV 1-44 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGLV   3-21 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGLV   2-11 0.09 IGHV3-21 IGLV 4-69 0.09 IGHV3-15 IGLV   1-40 0.09 IGHV3-15 IGLV   1-51 0.09 IGHV3-15 IGLV   3-1 0.09 IGHV3-15 IGLV 2-8 0.09 IGHV3-15 IGLV 7-43 0.09 IGHV4-31 IGLV   3-21 0.09 IGHV1-2 IGLV 2-8 0.09 IGHV1-2 IGLV 7-46 0.09 IGHV3-33 IGLV 6-57 0.09 IGHV3-53 IGLV   2-14 0.09 IGHV3-11 IGLV   2-23 0.09 IGHV3-11 IGLV   3-21 0.09 IGHV3-11 IGLV 4-69 0.09 IGHV3-9 IGLV 3-21 0.09 IGHV3-9 IGLV 2-8 0.09 IGHV3-74 IGLV   2-14 0.09 IGHV4-4 IGLV   1-51 0.09 IGHV4-4 IGLV   2-23 0.09 IGHV4-4 IGLV 2-8 0.09 IGHV1-46 IGLV   2-11 0.09 IGHV4-61 IGLV 2-11 0.09 IGHV1-8 IGLV 1-47 0.09 IGHV1-24 IGLV 2-23 0.09 IGHV1-3 IGLV 2-14 0.09 IGHV1-3 IGLV 2-23 0.09 IGHV1-3 IGLV 3-1 0.09 IGHV3-49 IGLV 3-21 0.09 IGHV4-28 IGLV 1-44 0.09 IGHV4-28 IGLV 1-51 0.09 IGHV4-28 IGLV 1-36 0.09 IGHV3-43 IGLV 1-51 0.09 IGHV3-64 IGLV 3-21 0.09 IGHV7-81 IGLV 2-14 0.09 IGHV7-81 IGLV 3-21 0.09 22 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-30 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGKV3D-20 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGKV1D-12 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGKV1D-13 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-27 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-16 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGKV2D-29 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-13 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGKV5-2 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGKV2D-30 0.05 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV4-39 IGKV3D-15 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGKV2-30 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-8 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-16 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGKV1D-43 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGKV2D-30 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGKV1D-17 0.05 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-27 0.05 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-8 0.05 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-27 0.05 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGKV2-30 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-16 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-6 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGKV2D-29 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGKV2D-30 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGKV1D-16 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-6 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGKV1D-8 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGKV1D-17 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-8 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-16 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-13 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-5 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-27 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-6 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGKV2D-29 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGKV3D-20 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGKV1D-12 0.05 IGHV3-21 IGKV2D-29 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGKV2-30 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-27 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGKV2D-29 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-13 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGKV1D-43 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-6 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGKV2-29 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.05 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV1-2 IGKV2-30 0.05 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-8 0.05 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-6 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-8 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-16 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGKV2-24 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGKV2-29 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGKV1D-16 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGKV1D-8 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGKV3-20 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-27 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-8 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGKV1D-8 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-27 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-6 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGKV1D-8 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGKV4-1 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-8 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGKV3-11 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGKV1-16 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGKV1-12 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGKV1-13 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGKV1-5 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGKV3-11 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGKV2-29 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGKV3-20 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGKV4-1 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGKV2-24 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.05 IGHV1-3 IGKV1-5 0.05 IGHV1-3 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV1-3 IGKV2-30 0.05 IGHV1-3 IGKV1-6 0.05 IGHV1-3 IGKV2D-29 0.05 IGHV3-49 IGKV3-15 0.05 IGHV3-49 IGKV3-11 0.05 IGHV3-49 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV4-28 IGKV3-20 0.05 IGHV4-28 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGKV3-15 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGKV4-1 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV3-64 IGKV3-15 0.05 IGHV3-64 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV3-64 IGKV2D-29 0.05 IGHV7-81 IGKV1-5 0.05 IGHV7-81 IGKV4-1 0.05 IGHV7-81 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV3-13 IGKV1-5 0.05 IGHV3-13 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.05 IGHV3-13 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV3-13 IGKV2-30 0.05 IGHV3-72 IGKV3-20 0.05 IGHV3-72 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV3-72 IGKV1-17 0.05 IGHV3-72 IGKV1-16 0.05 IGHV3-73 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.05 IGHV3-73 IGKV1-9 0.05 IGHV1-58 IGKV1-5 0.05 IGHV1-58 IGKV4-1 0.05 IGHV1-58 IGKV3-11 0.05 IGHV4-30.2 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.05 IGHV4-30.2 IGKV4-1 0.05 IGHV7-4.1 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.05 IGHV7-4.1 IGKV1-5 0.05 IGHV3-20 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGLV   1-47 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGLV 7-43 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGLV 2-18 0.05 IGHV3-23 IGLV 3-19 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGLV 1-47 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGLV 6-57 0.05 IGHV3-30 IGLV 3-27 0.05 IGHV4-39 IGLV 7-46 0.05 IGHV4-39 IGLV 3-9 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGLV 6-57 0.05 IGHV4-59 IGLV 3-12 0.05 IGHV4-34 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-36 0.05 IGHV4-34 IGLV 7-43 0.05 IGHV4-34 IGLV 9-49 0.05 IGHV5-51 IGLV 7-43 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGLV 6-57 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV1-69 IGLV 3-10 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGLV   2-23 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGLV   3-1 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGLV 7-46 0.05 IGHV3-7 IGLV 3-27 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGLV 2-23 0.05 I GHV1-18 IGLV   2-11 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGLV 1-36 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV1-18 IGLV 3-10 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV   1-40 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV 1-44 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV   1-51 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV   2-23 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV   3-21 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV 7-46 0.05 IGHV3-48 IGLV 9-49 0.05 IGHV3-21 IGLV   2-23 0.05 IGHV3-21 IGLV   3-1 0.05 IGHV3-21 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV3-21 IGLV 6-57 0.05 IGHV3-21 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV3-21 IGLV 7-46 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV   2-14 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV   1-47 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV   2-23 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV   3-21 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV 6-57 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV 2-18 0.05 IGHV3-15 IGLV 3-22 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGLV 1-44 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGLV   2-11 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGLV   3-1 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGLV 4-69 0.05 IGHV4-31 IGLV 7-43 0.05 IGHV1-2 IGLV   3-21 0.05 IGHV1-2 IGLV   2-11 0.05 IGHV1-2 IGLV 3-27 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV   1-40 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV 1-44 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV   1-51 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV   2-11 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV   3-1 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV 4-69 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV 3-27 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV 9-49 0.05 IGHV3-33 IGLV 3-9 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGLV   1-51 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGLV   1-47 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGLV   2-23 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGLV   2-1 1 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGLV   3-1 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV3-53 IGLV 7-46 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV   1-40 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV   1-51 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV   1-47 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV 7-46 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV 9-49 0.05 IGHV3-11 IGLV 8-61 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGLV 1-51 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGLV 4-69 0.05 IGHV3-9 IGLV 4-60 0.05 IGHV3-74 IGLV   1-47 0.05 IGHV3-74 IGLV   2-11 0.05 IGHV3-74 IGLV   3-1 0.05 IGHV3-74 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV3-74 IGLV 7-43 0.05 IGHV3-74 IGLV 7-46 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGLV   2-11 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGLV   3-1 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV4-4 IGLV 9-49 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGLV   1-40 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGLV   1-47 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGLV   2-23 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGLV   3-21 0.05 IGHV1-46 IGLV 6-57 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGLV 2-23 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGLV 3-21 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGLV 3-1 0.05 IGHV4-61 IGLV 7-43 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGLV 1-51 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV1-8 IGLV 9-49 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGLV 2-14 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGLV 1-44 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGLV 3-21 0.05 IGHV1-24 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV1-3 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV3-49 IGLV 2-14 0.05 IGHV3-49 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV3-49 IGLV 2-23 0.05 IGHV3-49 IGLV 2-8 0.05 IGHV4-28 IGLV 2-14 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGLV 2-14 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGLV 2-11 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGLV 3-1 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGLV 1-36 0.05 IGHV3-43 IGLV 9-49 0.05 IGHV3-64 IGLV 2-14 0.05 IGHV3-64 IGLV 7-43 0.05 IGHV7-81 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV3-13 IGLV 1-40 0.05 IGHV3-13 IGLV 1-47 0.05 IGHV3-72 IGLV 1-51 0.05 IGHV3-72 IGLV 4-69 0.05 IGHV3-73 IGLV   1-40 0.05 IGHV3-73 IGLV   1-51 0.05 IGHV3-73 IGLV   1-47 0.05 IGHV3-73 IGLV   2-11 0.05 IGHV3-73 IGLV 6-57 0.05 IGHV1-58 IGLV 2-14 0.05 IGHV3-66 IGLV 1-44 0.05 IGHV3-66 IGLV 1-47 0.05 IGHV3-66 IGLV 3-25 0.05 IGHV4-30.2 IGLV 3-21 0.05 IGHV7-4.1 IGLV 1-51 0.05 IGHV3-20 IGLV 2-14 0.05

Example 4.2

As discussed in Example 2.4, it was felt to be important to differentiate between the naïve, antigen inexperienced, and the antigen experienced B cell populations. Therefore, Table 19, which shows the ranking of the VH/VL germline gene pairs identified in the naïve human immune repertoire is reproduced below as Table 24, wherein the 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs that were synthesized, and combined for further functional testing are bolded and underlined.

TABLE 24 The 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs functional tested are representative of the VH/VL germline gene pairs identified in the naïve human immune repertoire pos V heavy V light % 1 IGHV4-34 IGKV3-20 1.56 2 IGHV4-39 IGKV3-15 1.19 3 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.97 4 IGHV3-23 IGKV3-20 0.89 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.89 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.89 5 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.82 IGHV1-18 IGKV3-20 0.82 IGHV5-51 IGLV   1-40 0.82 6 IGHV4-39 IGKV3-20 0.74 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-5 0.74 IGHV4-59 IGKV3-20 0.74 7 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-5 0.67 IGHV3-23 IGKV3-15 0.67 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.67 IGHV3-30 IGKV3-11 0.67 IGHV1-69 IGKV3-20 0.67 IGHV4-39 IGLV 2-8 0.67 8 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.59 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-5 0.59 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.59 IGHV1-2 IGKV3-20 0.59 IGHV4-59 IGLV 1-40 0.59 IGHV4-34 IGLV 2-14 0.59 9 IGHV3-23 IGKV4-1 0.52 IGHV5-51 IGKV3-20 0.52 IGHV5-51 IGKV4-1 0.52 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-5 0.52 IGHV3-23 IGLV 2-14 0.52 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-51 0.52 IGHV1-69 IGLV   2-14 0.52 IGHV1-69 IGLV   1-40 0.52 10 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.45 IGHV3-30 IGKV3-20 0.45 IGHV3-30 IGKV4-1 0.45 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-9 0.45 IGHV4-59 IGKV4-1 0.45 IGHV4-34 IGKV3-15 0.45 IGHV4-34 IGKV4-1 0.45 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.45 IGHV3-48 IGKV3-20 0.45 IGHV3-48 IGKV3-11 0.45 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.45 IGHV3-21 IGKV3-15 0.45 IGHV3-15 IGKV3-20 0.45 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.45 IGHV3-30 IGLV   2-14 0.45 IGHV5-51 IGLV   2-14 0.45 IGHV3-21 IGLV   1-51 0.45 IGHV1-2 IGLV   2-14 0.45 11 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.37 IGHV3-30 IGKV3-15 0.37 IGHV4-39 IGKV3-11 0.37 IGHV1-69 IGKV4-1 0.37 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.37 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-5 0.37 IGHV1-18 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.37 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.37 IGHV3-48 IGKV3-15 0.37 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.37 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-5 0.37 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-5 0.37 IGHV4-31 IGKV3-11 0.37 IGHV3-33 IGKV3-20 0.37 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.37 IGHV3-23 IGLV   1-40 0.37 IGHV3-30 IGLV   1-51 0.37 IGHV4-39 IGLV   2-14 0.37 IGHV4-59 IGLV 3-1 0.37 IGHV1-18 IGLV   1-40 0.37 IGHV3-48 IGLV   2-14 0.37 IGHV4-31 IGLV   2-14 0.37 12 IGHV3-23 IGKV3-11 0.30 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-17 0.30 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-27 0.30 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.30 IGHV4-59 IGKV3-11 0.30 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-5 0.30 IGHV4-34 IGKV3-11 0.30 IGHV4-34 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.30 IGHV5-51 IGKV3-15 0.30 IGHV5-51 IGKV3-11 0.30 IGHV5-51 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.30 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-5 0.30 IGHV3-7 IGKV3-15 0.30 IGHV3-48 IGKV4-1 0.30 IGHV3-21 IGKV3-20 0.30 IGHV3-21 IGKV4-1 0.30 IGHV3-15 IGKV3-15 0.30 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.30 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.30 IGHV3-53 IGKV3-15 0.30 IGHV3-53 IGKV4-1 0.30 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.30 IGHV4-4 IGKV3-20 0.30 IGHV1-46 IGKV3-20 0.30 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.30 IGHV3-23 IGLV   3-21 0.30 IGHV3-23 IGLV   3-1 0.30 IGHV4-39 IGLV   1-40 0.30 IGHV4-39 IGLV 1-44 0.30 IGHV4-39 IGLV   1-51 0.30 IGHV4-59 IGLV 1-51 0.30 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-40 0.30 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-47 0.30 IGHV4-34 IGLV 2-8 0.30 IGHV5-51 IGLV 1-44 0.30 IGHV1-69 IGLV   1-51 0.30 IGHV1-69 IGLV 2-8 0.30 IGHV3-9 IGLV 2-14 0.30 IGHV3-9 IGLV 2-23 0.30 IGHV4-4 IGLV 1-44 0.30 IGHV4-61 IGLV 1-44 0.30 13 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-8 0.22 IGHV3-30 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.22 IGHV4-39 IGKV4-1 0.22 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-27 0.22 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.22 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.22 IGHV3-7 IGKV3-20 0.22 IGHV3-7 IGKV3-11 0.22 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-8 0.22 IGHV1-18 IGKV3-11 0.22 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-8 0.22 IGHV3-15 IGKV3-11 0.22 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.22 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.22 IGHV4-31 IGKV3-15 0.22 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.22 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.22 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-5 0.22 IGHV3-33 IGKV3-15 0.22 IGHV3-33 IGKV4-1 0.22 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-5 0.22 IGHV3-11 IGKV3-15 0.22 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.22 IGHV4-4 IGKV3-15 0.22 IGHV4-4 IGKV3-11 0.22 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-9 0.22 IGHV4-61 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.22 IGHV4-61 IGKV4-1 0.22 IGHV1-3 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.22 IGHV3-49 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.22 IGHV3-49 IGKV1-17 0.22 IGHV3-43 IGKV1-5 0.22 IGHV7-81 IGKV3-20 0.22 IGHV3-23 IGLV   2-23 0.22 IGHV3-23 IGLV   2-11 0.22 IGHV4-39 IGLV   2-23 0.22 IGHV1-69 IGLV   2-23 0.22 IGHV1-18 IGLV   2-14 0.22 IGHV3-48 IGLV   3-1 0.22 IGHV3-15 IGLV 1-44 0.22 IGHV4-31 IGLV   1-40 0.22 IGHV1-2 IGLV   1-40 0.22 IGHV1-2 IGLV   3-1 0.22 IGHV3-33 IGLV   2-14 0.22 IGHV3-33 IGLV   1-47 0.22 IGHV3-33 IGLV   3-21 0.22 IGHV3-9 IGLV 1-44 0.22 IGHV3-9 IGLV 1-47 0.22 IGHV3-9 IGLV 2-11 0.22 IGHV1-46 IGLV 1-44 0.22 IGHV1-8 IGLV 2-14 0.22 14 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-16 0.15 IGHV3-23 IGKV2D-29 0.15 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.15 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.15 IGHV3-30 IGKV1D-8 0.15 IGHV4-39 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV4-39 IGKV2-30 0.15 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-6 0.15 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-5 0.15 IGHV4-59 IGKV3-15 0.15 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.15 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.15 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-17 0.15 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-16 0.15 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-5 0.15 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.15 IGHV1-69 IGKV3-15 0.15 IGHV1-69 IGKV3-11 0.15 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-8 0.15 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-5 0.15 IGHV3-7 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV3-7 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-9 0.15 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-17 0.15 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-13 0.15 IGHV1-18 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV1-18 IGKV2-30 0.15 IGHV3-48 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-17 0.15 IGHV3-21 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-8 0.15 IGHV3-15 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV3-15 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-9 0.15 IGHV4-31 IGKV3-20 0.15 IGHV4-31 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV1-2 IGKV3-15 0.15 IGHV1-2 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-27 0.15 IGHV3-33 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-9 0.15 IGHV3-53 IGKV3-20 0.15 IGHV3-53 IGKV3-11 0.15 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-8 0.15 IGHV3-11 IGKV3-20 0.15 IGHV3-11 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV3-11 IGKV3-11 0.15 IGHV3-11 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-6 0.15 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-5 0.15 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-16 0.15 IGHV3-9 IGKV2D-29 0.15 IGHV3-74 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.15 IGHV3-74 IGKV1-5 0.15 IGHV3-74 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.15 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-5 0.15 IGHV4-4 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV4-4 IGKV2D-29 0.15 IGHV1-46 IGKV3-15 0.15 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-16 0.15 IGHV4-61 IGKV3-15 0.15 IGHV1-24 IGKV3-15 0.15 IGHV1-24 IGKV3-11 0.15 IGHV1-24 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.15 IGHV3-49 IGKV3-20 0.15 IGHV3-64 IGKV1-5 0.15 IGHV3-64 IGKV3-11 0.15 IGHV7-81 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.15 IGHV3-13 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.15 IGHV3-13 IGKV4-1 0.15 IGHV3-72 IGKV3-15 0.15 IGHV3-30 IGLV   1-40 0.15 IGHV3-30 IGLV 1-44 0.15 IGHV3-30 IGLV   2-23 0.15 IGHV3-30 IGLV   3-21 0.15 IGHV3-30 IGLV 9-49 0.15 IGHV4-39 IGLV 2-18 0.15 IGHV4-59 IGLV 2-23 0.15 IGHV4-59 IGLV 2-11 0.15 IGHV4-34 IGLV 1-44 0.15 IGHV4-34 IGLV 2-23 0.15 IGHV4-34 IGLV 3-25 0.15 IGHV5-51 IGLV   1-47 0.15 IGHV5-51 IGLV   2-23 0.15 IGHV5-51 IGLV   3-21 0.15 IGHV5-51 IGLV 1-36 0.15 IGHV5-51 IGLV 3-25 0.15 IGHV1-69 IGLV 1-44 0.15 IGHV1-69 IGLV   2-11 0.15 IGHV1-69 IGLV   3-1 0.15 IGHV1-18 IGLV 1-44 0.15 IGHV1-18 IGLV 2-8 0.15 IGHV1-18 IGLV 6-57 0.15 IGHV3-48 IGLV   1-47 0.15 IGHV3-21 IGLV   2-14 0.15 IGHV3-21 IGLV   1-47 0.15 IGHV3-21 IGLV   2-11 0.15 IGHV3-15 IGLV 7-46 0.15 IGHV4-31 IGLV   1-51 0.15 IGHV4-31 IGLV   1-47 0.15 IGHV4-31 IGLV   2-23 0.15 IGHV1-2 IGLV 1-44 0.15 IGHV1-2 IGLV   1-51 0.15 IGHV1-2 IGLV   2-23 0.15 IGHV1-2 IGLV 2-8 0.15 IGHV3-11 IGLV   3-21 0.15 IGHV3-11 IGLV   3-1 0.15 IGHV3-9 IGLV 3-21 0.15 IGHV3-74 IGLV   3-21 0.15 IGHV4-4 IGLV   2-14 0.15 IGHV4-4 IGLV   1-51 0.15 IGHV1-46 IGLV   1-51 0.15 IGHV4-61 IGLV 2-11 0.15 IGHV1-24 IGLV 2-23 0.15 IGHV1-3 IGLV 2-14 0.15 IGHV1-3 IGLV 3-1 0.15 IGHV4-28 IGLV 1-44 0.15 IGHV4-28 IGLV 1-36 0.15 IGHV3-43 IGLV 1-51 0.15 15 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-9 0.07 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV3-23 IGKV1-12 0.07 IGHV3-23 IGKV2-29 0.07 IGHV3-23 IGKV3D-20 0.07 IGHV3-23 IGKV1D-12 0.07 IGHV3-30 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-16 0.07 IGHV3-30 IGKV1-6 0.07 IGHV3-30 IGKV2D-29 0.07 IGHV3-30 IGKV2-24 0.07 IGHV3-30 IGKV2D-30 0.07 IGHV4-39 IGKV1-17 0.07 IGHV4-59 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-17 0.07 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-8 0.07 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-16 0.07 IGHV4-59 IGKV1-12 0.07 IGHV4-59 IGKV1D-17 0.07 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-9 0.07 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-8 0.07 IGHV4-34 IGKV1-12 0.07 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-17 0.07 IGHV5-51 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV1-69 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV1-69 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV1-69 IGKV1-16 0.07 IGHV1-69 IGKV2D-29 0.07 IGHV1-69 IGKV2D-30 0.07 IGHV1-69 IGKV1D-16 0.07 IGHV1-69 IGKV3D-15 0.07 IGHV3-7 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV3-7 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV3-7 IGKV1D-8 0.07 IGHV3-7 IGKV1D-17 0.07 IGHV1-18 IGKV3-15 0.07 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-8 0.07 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-16 0.07 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-12 0.07 IGHV1-18 IGKV1-13 0.07 IGHV1-18 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-5 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-9 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-16 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV1-6 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV2D-29 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV3D-20 0.07 IGHV3-48 IGKV1D-12 0.07 IGHV3-21 IGKV3-11 0.07 IGHV3-21 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV3-21 IGKV2D-29 0.07 IGHV3-15 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV3-15 IGKV2D-29 0.07 IGHV3-15 IGKV1D-43 0.07 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-5 0.07 IGHV4-31 IGKV4-1 0.07 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-17 0.07 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV4-31 IGKV1-6 0.07 IGHV4-31 IGKV2-40/2D-40 0.07 IGHV1-2 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.07 IGHV1-2 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-8 0.07 IGHV1-2 IGKV1-6 0.07 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-5 0.07 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.07 IGHV3-33 IGKV1-8 0.07 IGHV3-53 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-9 0.07 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-17 0.07 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV3-53 IGKV1-12 0.07 IGHV3-53 IGKV2-29 0.07 IGHV3-53 IGKV1D-16 0.07 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.07 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-9 0.07 IGHV3-11 IGKV1-17 0.07 IGHV3-11 IGKV1D-8 0.07 IGHV3-9 IGKV3-15 0.07 IGHV3-9 IGKV4-1 0.07 IGHV3-9 IGKV3-11 0.07 IGHV3-9 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV3-9 IGKV1-8 0.07 IGHV3-9 IGKV1D-8 0.07 IGHV3-74 IGKV3-20 0.07 IGHV3-74 IGKV3-15 0.07 IGHV3-74 IGKV3-11 0.07 IGHV3-74 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV4-4 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-17 0.07 IGHV4-4 IGKV1-27 0.07 IGHV4-4 IGKV1D-8 0.07 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-5 0.07 IGHV1-46 IGKV4-1 0.07 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.07 IGHV1-46 IGKV1-8 0.07 IGHV4-61 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV4-61 IGKV1-16 0.07 IGHV4-61 IGKV1-12 0.07 IGHV1-8 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.07 IGHV1-8 IGKV3-15 0.07 IGHV1-8 IGKV4-1 0.07 IGHV1-8 IGKV3-11 0.07 IGHV1-8 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV1-8 IGKV1-9 0.07 IGHV1-8 IGKV2-29 0.07 IGHV1-24 IGKV3-20 0.07 IGHV1-24 IGKV1-39/1D-39 0.07 IGHV1-24 IGKV4-1 0.07 IGHV1-24 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.07 IGHV1-24 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV1-24 IGKV2-24 0.07 IGHV1-3 IGKV1-5 0.07 IGHV1-3 IGKV3-15 0.07 IGHV1-3 IGKV1-33/1D-33 0.07 IGHV1-3 IGKV2-30 0.07 IGHV1-3 IGKV2D-29 0.07 IGHV3-49 IGKV1-5 0.07 IGHV3-49 IGKV3-15 0.07 IGHV3-49 IGKV3-11 0.07 IGHV3-49 IGKV2-28/2D-28 0.07 IGHV3-43 IGKV4-1 0.07 IGHV3-43 IGKV3-11 0.07

Example 5 Generation of Germline Genes for Functional Analysis

As a next step, the VH, Vλ, and Vκ germline genes selected for combination and subsequent testing, as shown in Table 25, were sent to Geneart (Regensburg, Germany) for codon optimization respective to E. coli expression (neutral to mammalian expression), and synthesis.

TABLE 25 VH, Vλ and Vκ germline genes sent for synthesis VH Vκ Vλ  1. IGHV3-23  1. IGKV3-20 1. IGLV2-14  2. IGHV3-30  2. IGKV1-39/1D-39 2. IGLV1-40  3. IGHV4-39  3. IGKV1-5 3. IGLV1-51  4. IGHV1-69  4. IGKV3-15 4. IGLV2-23  5. IGHV5-51  5. IGKV3-11 5. IGLV3-21  6. IGHV3-7  6. IGKV2-30 6. IGLV1-47  7. IGHV1-18  7. IGKV1-9 7. IGLV3-1  8. IGHV3-48  8. IGKV1-17 8. IGLV2-11  9. IGHV3-15  9. IGKV1-27 10. IGHV3-21 10. IGKV1-16 11. IGHV1-2 11. IGKV1-6 12. IGHV3-33 12. IGKV1-12 13. IGHV4-31 14. IGHV3-53 15. IGHV3-11 16. IGHV4-4 17. IGHV1-46 18. IGHV3-74 19. IGHV3-73 20. IGHV6-1

The germline gene sequences of each of the VH, Vλ, and Vκ germline genes are shown in FIGS. 45-47. Each germline gene sequence was synthesized to include the following:

a) for VH: leader sequence (modified phoA signal sequence incorporating a NheI restriction site as shown in FIG. 3); germline FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2 and FR3 (incorporating a BssHll restriction site as shown in FIG. 3); CDR-H3 (WGGDGFYAMDY (SEQ ID NO:1)) of the 4D5 antibody as used in Ewert S. et al., J. Mol. Biol. (2003) 325, 531-553; and the JH4 FR4 (incorporating a XhoI/SalI RE site as shown in FIG. 3);

b) for Vk: leader sequence (modified ompA signal sequence incorporating the NdeI restriction site as shown in FIG. 3); germline FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2 and FR3 (incorporating a BbsI restriction site as shown in FIG. 3), kappa-like CDR-L3 (QQHYTTPPT (SEQ ID NO:2)) according to Ewert S. et al., J. Mol. Biol. (2003) 325, 531-553; and the Jk1 FR4 (incorporating a KpnI RE site as shown in FIG. 3);

c) for Vλ: leader sequence (modified ompA signal sequence incorporating the NdeI restriction site as shown in FIG. 3); germline FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2 and FR3 (incorporating a BbsI restriction site as shown in FIG. 3), lambda-like CDR-L3 (QSYDSSLSGVV (SEQ ID NO:3)) according to Ewert S. et al., J. Mol. Biol. (2003) 325, 531-553; and the JI2/3 FR4 (incorporating a KpnI RE site as shown in FIG. 3).

Example 6 Functional Testing of VH/VL Germline Gene Pairs Representative of the Human Immune Repertoire

The 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs were then tested for the following properties: a) relative display after phage production and phage ELISA in Fab format; b) relative Fab expression levels after Fab production in E. coli, E. coli cell lysis and ELISA detection of produced Fab; c) temperature stability of Fab after Fab production in E. coli, E. coli cell lysis and ELISA detection of non-denatured Fab after incubation at increased temperatures; d) bovine/mouse serum stability of Fab from E. coli lysates by ELISA detection of non-denatured Fab after incubation in bovine/mouse serum; e) relative human IgG1 expression levels after IgG1 production in mammalian cells and ELISA detection of secreted IgG1 from cell culture supernatants; and f) bovine serum stability of human IgG1 by ELISA detection of non-denatured Fab after incubation in bovine/mouse serum.

Example 6.1 Generation of Fab Pool Displayed on Phage for Functional Characterization

The antibody or antibody fragments synthesized in Example 5, shown in Table 25, were cloned into the tricistronic Fab display vector pJPd1 (FIG. 48) for functional testing. Fab pools were generated that contained combinations of each of the master genes, the 20 VH, combined with the 8 Vλ and 12 Vκ, which yields 400 combinations, which represent the vast majority of the most prominent VH/VL germline gene pairs from the human immune repertoire, as shown in Tables 18 and FIGS. 39-40.

Phage comprising the above gene pairs were produced in a small scale using 96 well plates. A master plate was generated by filling each of the wells with 2×YT/CAM/TET/Gluc medium and inoculating with clones from the 400 VH/VL combinations wherein pMORPH30 Vk3-11_AQA/VH3-23_TKA or pMORPH30_Vk3-11_AYA/VH3-23_VLA (pMORPH30 is shown in FIG. 51) were used as a control. The plates incubated overnight at 37° C. while shaking. The master plates were stored in a final concentration of 15% glycerol, and frozen at −80° C.

Additional 96 well plates were produced for phage production using 2×YT/CAM/TET/Gluc as medium and inoculated with clones from the master plates described above. The plates were incubated at 37° C. for ˜2-4-h while shaking at 400 rpm, until an OD600 nm of ˜0.5 was reached.

The plates were infected with 5 μl helper phage per well (Hyperphage; PROGEN; 1×1012 pfu/ml). The plates were incubated at 37° C. for 45 min without shaking and then for 60 min while shaking at 400 rpm. The bacteria were spun down at 2200 g for 5 min at 4° C.

The helper phage containing supernatants were discarded and the infected E. coli pellets were re-suspended with 2×YT/Cam/TET/Kan/IPTG without glucose. The re-suspended pellets were transferred into a new 96 deep well plate pre-filled with 2×YT/Cm/TET/Kan/IPTG. The plates were incubated overnight at 22° C., while shaking. The phage containing supernatants were harvested by spinning down and discarding E. coli cells and debris.

Example 6.2 Evaluation of Fab Phage Display Ranking Using ELISA

The phage supernatants prepared as described in Example 6.1 were used for Fab phage display ranking in phage ELISAs.

Display of the Fab fragments was evaluated in a phage ELISA using two different capture antibodies:

(1) The anti-M13 antibody (Amersham #27-9420-01) was used for capture of phage particles via the major coat protein g8p; therefore, phage titer can be determined.

(2) An anti-Fd antibody (The Binding Site #PC075) was used, which binds to the displayed Fab; therefore, only phage displaying Fabs comprising the master genes, are captured.

The respective capture antibodies were immobilized on black 96-well Maxisorp™ plates by dispensing 100 μl antibody solution at a concentration of 7.5 μg/ml for the anti-M13 antibody and a 1.0 μg/ml concentration for the anti-Fd antibody into different wells, sealing the plate with laminated foil and incubating overnight at 4° C. The next day, the plates were washed twice with TBST, and each well was blocked with 300 μl CTBST for 1 h at room temperature.

Both the phage supernatants and reference samples were transferred for detection as follows. The blocked ELISA plates were washed twice with TBST. 100 μl of appropriately diluted phage supernatants in CTBST was transferred from the dilution plates to the coated ELISA plates, incubated for 1-2 h at room temperature, and washed 5× with TBST. 100 μl/well of anti-M13 peroxidase conjugate (Amersham) diluted 1:5000 in CTBST was added, and incubated for 1-2 h at room temperature. The Quanta Blu (Pierce) working solution was prepared by mixing 1 part (e.g. 0.5 ml) peroxide solution with 9 parts (e.g. 4.5 ml) substrate solution and equilibrating it to room temperature for at least 30 min. The ELISA plates were washed 5× with TBST, 100 μl/well of the QuantaBlu working solution was added. The fluorescence was measured after an incubation time of ˜2 min (excitation: 320 nm, emission: 430 nm) and subsequently at intervals of 5 min.

The evaluation of the ELISA data was completed as follows: calibration curves were created by using a HuCAL GOLD reference phage preparation (VH3 kappa+lambda) and the titers of the phage supernatants and controls were calculated. For each sample, the titer on anti-Fd was divided by the titer on anti-M13 (anti-pVIII), the resulting ratio is the relative display rate.

As the relative display rate in Fab was calculated using an internal standard (HuCAL GOLD phage preparation VH3 kappa+lambda), which is not publically available. The relative display rate was evaluated as a ranking. By ranking the relative display values, one of skill in the art can reproduce the above method using any control. For example, each germline protein pair displays an amount relative to a control. Therefore, the germline protein pairs having the highest relative display rate as compared to our control will also have the highest relative display rate compared to any control, despite the fact that the specific relative display rates would likely differ. Therefore, a ranking of the values was created using the relative display data shown in FIG. 55, also shown in Table 32, where the data was ranked from highest value to lowest. This ranking is shown in Table 26. From this the germline protein pairs comprising a relative display rate within the top 10%, 20%, 30%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, and 90% of Fabs sampled can be identified.

Specifically, from the 400 pairs tested, relative display values were obtained for 196 pairs, see Table 26. Therefore, one of skill in the art can determine exactly which germline protein pairs fall within the top 10%, 20%, 30%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, or 90% of Fabs sampled. For example, the top 75% includes the germline protein pairs ranked as Nos. 1-147 in Table 26.

TABLE 26 Ranking of relative Fab display values Relative Fab Display No. VH VL (CysDisplay) 1 hVH_3_11 hVK_1_39 29.0 2 hVH_3_07 hVK_1_39 27.3 3 hVH_3_15 hVK_3_11 19.4 4 hVH_3_23 hVK_1_27 17.1 5 hVH_3_33 hVL_2-23 17.1 6 hVH_3_15 hVL_1-40 16.7 7 hVH_3_30 hVL_3-21 16.6 8 hVH_3_21 hVK_1_06 16.1 9 hVH_3_53 hVK_1_12 14.8 10 hVH_3_15 hVK_1_16 14.5 11 hVH_3_07 hVK_3_15 14.5 12 hVH_3_07 hVK_1_27 14.5 13 hVH_3_15 hVK_1_39 14.2 14 hVH_3_23 hVL_2-11 13.6 15 hVH_3_23 hVK_3_20 13.3 16 hVH_3_30 hVK_1_39 13.1 17 hVH_3_15 hVL_1-47 13.0 18 hVH_3_07 hVK_2_30 13.0 19 hVH_3_11 hVL_1-40 12.4 20 hVH_3_33 hVK_3_15 12.3 21 hVH_3_15 hVK_3_15 12.1 22 hVH_3_48 hVK_3_15 12.1 23 hVH_3_21 hVL_3-21 11.8 24 hVH_3_15 hVK_1_06 11.7 25 hVH_3_21 hVK_1_39 11.6 26 hVH_3_15 hVK_1_12 11.5 27 hVH_3_07 hVL_2-14 11.3 28 hVH_3_21 hVK_1_12 11.3 29 hVH_3_53 hVK_1_05 11.1 30 hVH_3_15 hVL_1-51 11.0 31 hVH_3_23 hVK_1_39 10.8 32 hVH_3_53 hVK_1_16 10.7 33 hVH_3_07 hVK_1_12 10.6 34 hVH_3_15 hVL_2-11 10.5 35 hVH_3_07 hVK_1_17 10.5 36 hVH_3_11 hVK_1_16 10.3 37 hVH_3_48 hVL_1-47 10.3 38 hVH_3_23 hVL_1-51 10.2 39 hVH_3_15 hVL_2-23 10.1 40 hVH_3_21 hVK_1_05 10.0 41 hVH_3_15 hVK_1_09 10.0 42 hVH_3_74 hVK_3_15 10.0 43 hVH_3_11 hVL_3-21 9.8 44 hVH_3_15 hVL_2-14 9.7 45 hVH_3_53 hVK_3_15 9.6 46 hVH_3_30 hVL_2-23 9.5 47 hVH_3_74 hVK_1_06 9.5 48 hVH_3_15 hVL_3-1 9.4 49 hVH_3_48 hVL_2-23 9.3 50 hVH_3_15 hVL_3-21 9.2 51 hVH_3_30 hVK_1_27 9.1 52 hVH_3_23 hVL_2-14 9.1 53 hVH_3_48 hVK_1_27 8.9 54 hVH_3_15 hVK_3_20 8.9 55 hVH_3_11 hVL_2-23 8.9 56 hVH_3_21 hVL_2-23 8.8 57 hVH_3_74 hVL_1-40 8.8 58 hVH_3_30 hVL_3-1 8.8 59 hVH_3_74 hVK_1_39 8.7 60 hVH_3_48 hVK_1_16 8.7 61 hVH_3_74 hVK_1_09 8.7 62 hVH_3_21 hVK_1_27 8.7 63 hVH_3_74 hVK_1_12 8.4 64 hVH_3_11 hVL_2-11 8.4 65 hVH_3_23 hVK_1_16 8.4 66 hVH_3_53 hVK_1_09 8.3 67 hVH_4_04*03 hVL_1-47 8.3 68 hVH_3_11 hVK_1_12 8.2 69 hVH_3_07 hVL_1-40 8.2 70 hVH_3_15 hVK_1_05 8.1 71 hVH_3_11 hVL_1-47 8.1 72 hVH_3_74 hVK_1_16 8.0 73 hVH_3_15 hVK_1_27 7.8 74 hVH_3_23 hVL_2-23 7.4 75 hVH_3_23 hVL_3-21 7.4 76 hVH_3_53 hVL_2-11 7.2 77 hVH_6_1 hVL_1-40 7.2 78 hVH_3_74 hVL_1-51 7.1 79 hVH_3_74 hVL_3-1 7.0 80 hVH_3_07 hVK_1_16 7.0 81 hVH_3_07 hVL_2-23 6.9 82 hVH_3_53 hVK_1_27 6.9 83 hVH_3_11 hVK_1_09 6.7 84 hVH_3_07 hVK_1_09 6.7 85 hVH_3_21 hVL_2-14 6.5 86 hVH_3_74 hVK_1_05 6.4 87 hVH_3_11 hVL_2-14 6.4 88 hVH_3_15 hVK_1_17 6.4 89 hVH_3_53 hVL_1-51 6.4 90 hVH_3_53 hVL_2-23 6.3 91 hVH_3_07 hVL_1-47 6.3 92 hVH_3_23 hVK_1_09 6.1 93 hVH_3_48 hVL_3-1 6.0 94 hVH_3_11 hVK_1_27 6.0 95 hVH_6_1 hVK_1_09 5.9 96 hVH_1_46 hVL_1-51 5.7 97 hVH_3_11 hVK_1_05 5.5 98 hVH_3_30 hVK_1_12 5.4 99 hVH_1_46 hVL_3-21 5.2 100 hVH_4_04*03 hVL_3-21 5.2 101 hVH_3_53 hVL_3-1 5.1 102 hVH_3_07 hVL_3-1 5.0 103 hVH_3_74 hVK_1_27 5.0 104 hVH_3_21 hVK_1_17 5.0 105 hVH_3_74 hVL_2-14 4.7 106 hVH_3_11 hVK_3_15 4.6 107 hVH_3_23 hVL_3-1 4.6 108 hVH_1_69*01 hVL_3-21 4.6 109 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_1_09 4.5 110 hVH_1_18 hVL_3-1 4.4 111 hVH_1_18 hVL_2-23 4.3 112 hVH_1_46 hVL_3-1 4.3 113 hVH_3_11 hVK_1_06 4.3 114 hVH_3_23 hVK_2_30 4.1 115 hVH_5_51 hVL_3-1 3.8 116 hVH_1_18 hVK_1_39 3.7 117 hVH_5_51 hVK_1_39 3.7 118 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_27 3.6 119 hVH_4_39 hVL_3-1 3.6 120 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_1_39 3.5 121 hVH_1_69*01 hVL_3-1 3.4 122 hVH_1_18 hVL_3-21 3.4 123 hVH_6_1 hVK_1_06 3.3 124 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_1_16 3.2 125 hVH_3_74 hVL_1-47 3.2 126 hVH_1_46 hVK_3_15 3.0 127 hVH_5_51 hVL_2-23 3.0 128 hVH_1_46 hVK_1_09 3.0 129 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_1_06 2.9 130 hVH_3_53 hVK_1_17 2.9 131 hVH_1_46 hVL_2-23 2.7 132 hVH_4_04*03 hVL_2-23 2.7 133 hVH_5_51 hVK_1_09 2.6 134 hVH_1_18 hVK_3_15 2.6 135 hVH_1_46 hVK_1_39 2.5 136 hVH_1_18 hVL_2-14 2.5 137 hVH_1_18 hVL_1-40 2.4 138 hVH_4_04*03 hVL_3-1 2.2 139 hVH_1_18 hVK_3_20 2.2 140 hVH_4_39 hVK_1_39 2.1 141 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_1_05 2.1 142 hVH_5_51 hVL_2-14 2.1 143 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_1_12 2.1 144 hVH_6_1 hVL_2-23 2.1 145 hVH_4_39 hVL_2-14 2.0 146 hVH_1_18 hVK_1_05 2.0 147 hVH_1_18 hVK_1_16 2.0 148 hVH_1_18 hVL_2-11 1.9 149 hVH_1_18 hVK_2_30 1.9 150 hVH_5_51 hVK_3_15 1.9 151 hVH_5_51 hVK_1_12 1.8 152 hVH_1_69*01 hVL_2-23 1.8 153 hVH_3_74 hVL_3-21 1.8 154 hVH_4_39 hVK_1_06 1.6 155 hVH_1_46 hVL_2-11 1.6 156 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_3_15 1.6 157 hVH_1_18 hVK_1_12 1.6 158 hVH_6_1 hVK_1_12 1.5 159 hVH_4_31 hVL_3-1 1.4 160 hVH_1_46 hVK_1_16 1.3 161 hVH_3_53 hVK_2_30 1.3 162 hVH_5_51 hVK_1_16 1.3 163 hVH_1_46 hVK_1_17 1.3 164 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_1_16 1.2 165 hVH_1_18 hVK_1_27 1.2 166 hVH_6_1 hVL_2-11 1.0 167 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_1_17 0.9 168 hVH_4_39 hVL_2-23 0.9 169 hVH_5_51 hVK_2_30 0.9 170 hVH_1_69*01 hVL_2-11 0.8 171 hVH_3_73 hVL_2-23 0.8 172 hVH_4_39 hVK_1_17 0.7 173 hVH_4_39 hVL_1-40 0.6 174 hVH_1_18 hVK_1_06 0.6 175 hVH_3_73 hVK_3_11 0.5 176 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_05 0.4 177 hVH_5_51 hVK_1_27 0.4 178 hVH_6_1 hVL_3-21 0.4 179 hVH_3_73 hVL_3-21 0.4 180 hVH_1_2 hVL_3-1 0.4 181 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_2_30 0.3 182 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_06 0.3 183 hVH_3_73 hVL_1-51 0.3 184 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_09 0.3 185 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_12 0.3 186 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_16 0.3 187 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_39 0.2 188 hVH_3_73 hVK_3_15 0.2 189 hVH_3_73 hVL_2-11 0.2 190 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_1_27 0.2 191 hVH_1_2 hVL_2-11 0.1 192 hVH_1_2 hVK_1_05 0.1 193 hVH_1_2 hVK_1_16 0.1 194 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_17 0.1 195 hVH_1_2 hVK_1_06 0.1 196 hVH_1_2 hVL_2-14 0.1

FIG. 55 shows the relative display rates for most of the 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs.

Example 6.3 Screening ELISA of 400 VH/VL Combinations to Determine the Fab Expression Level in E. coli Lysates

Masterplates (MP) were inoculated by picking clones transformed by pools of VH/VL combinations in the Fab expression vector pJPx1 (shown in FIG. 49) into 2YT/Cam/1% Gluc medium per well. These plates were incubated at 37° C. over night while shaking. Expression plates (EP) were inoculated with 2.5 μl of the cultures from MPs into 2YT/Cam/0.1% Glucose per well. Controls (see Table 27) were inoculated from glycerol stocks. These plates were incubated for 6 hours at 37° C. and shaking, then Fab expression was induced by adding IPTG and incubated at 22° C. over night while shaking. E. coli cell lysates were produced by adding boric/acid/EDTA/lysozyme-buffer to the EPs (1 h incubation at 22° C., shaking), and bacterial lysates were subsequently blocked with 12.5% MPBST, shaking at least for 30 min at room temperature. E. coli lysates from expression plates were diluted appropriately in 0.5% MPBS and used in the following assay.

Table 27 shows the unlabeled coating antibodies and AP-labeled detection antibodies which were used.

TABLE 27 MOR Name Label Host Antibody Company Number Concentration Dilution Lot Coating Ab 15 unlabeled sheep anti-Human Binding pc075 12.1 mg/ml 1:1000 236366, Exp IgG (Fd) Site 2009 October detection Ab AP27 AP mouse anti-FlagM2 Sigma A9469  1.1 mg/ml 1:5000 048K6143, new lot Table 28 describes the controls used.

TABLE 28 # Construct name 3 pMx11_FH VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA 5 pMx11_FH VH3-23 VLA_Vk3-11 AYA empty pMx9_APStuffer_FHClone1 BEL (not containing Fab molecules!)

The screening ELISA comprised the following steps: Coating 384 wells of a MaxiSorp plate with anti-human IgG Fd specific antibodies diluted in PBS, and incubating over night at 4° C. The next day, the plates were washed 2× with PBST and blocked by adding (5% Milkpowder in PBS) to each well and incubating for 1-2 h at RT, while shaking. Then the plates were washed again with PBST, and preblocked E. coli-lysates, diluted in 0.5% MPBS, were added and incubated for 1 h while shaking at RT. Also the controls #3 and #5, were added. The plates were then washed with PBST and the AP-labeled detection antibody was diluted in 0.5% MPBS. The diluted detection antibody was added and then incubated for 1 h at RT while shaking gently. The signal was identified by the following: washing the wells with TBST and adding 20 μl of AttoPhos (1:5 diluted in ddH2O), and reading at 5 min and 7-8 min using Tecan (infiniTe F200), program PrimeScreen.

Relative Fab expression levels are calculated by dividing the ELISA signal of the respective VH/VL pair through the ELISA signal of the reference Fab pMx11_FH VH1-VLA_VI1-40 AYA. Thereby equally high ELISA signals result in a relative Fab expression level of 1. The reference Fab is expressed in a pMORPHX11 plasmids (shown in FIG. 50) comprising a) a modified phoA heavy chain signal sequence comprising the C-terminal NheI restriction site; b) a modified ompA light chain signal sequence comprising the C-terminal NdeI restriction site; c) the variable heavy germline protein sequences of the VH1-69*01 germline gene as shown in FIG. 45A, d) the variable light germline protein sequences of the IGLV1-40 germline gene as shown in FIG. 47A; e) incorporating the CDR-H3 (WGGDGFYAMDY (SEQ ID NO:1)) of the hu4D5-8 antibody, and the JH4 germline protein sequence for heavy chain FR4; f) incorporating the CDR-L3 region (QSYDSSLSGVV (SEQ ID NO:3)) and the JI2/3 germline protein sequence for light chain FR4. The hu4D5-8 is described in Carter P. et al. (1992) “Humanization of an anti-p185Her2 antibody for human cancer therapy” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89, 4285-4289). All genes were generated at Geneart (Regensburg, Germany).

The results are shown in FIG. 56.

Example 6.4 Screening ELISA of 400 VH/VL Combinations to Determine the Temperature Stability of Fab in BEL Lysates

Expression plates were generated as in Example 6.3. Diluted E. coli lysates from expression plates were incubated at different temperatures for 45 minutes and used in the following assay.

Table 29 shows the unlabeled coating antibodies and AP-labeled detection antibodies which were used.

TABLE 29 MOR Name Label Host Antibody Company Number Concentration Dilution Lot coating Ab 57 unlabeled Mouse monoclonal Anti poly Histidine R&D MAB050 500 μg/ml  1:250 AEJ1708111 Antibody IgG1 (anti 6x-Histidine); Systems polypeptides containing a polyhistidine tag detection Ab AP30 AP goat anti-human kappa light chains Sigma A3813 2.3 mg/ml 1:2300 018K6069 detection Ab AP5 AP goat anti-human lambda light chains Sigma A2904 0.8 mg/ml 1:800 096K6030

The screening ELISA comprised the following steps: 384 wells of a MaxiSorp plate were coated with coating antibody (see table above) diluted in PBS. The plates were incubated over night at 4° C. The next day, the plates were washed with PBST and blocked by adding 5% MPBS to each well and incubated for 1-2 h at RT while shaking. Then the diluted E. coli lysates from the expression plates were distributed into four 96 well PCR-plates (each about 40 μl) and exposed to different temperatures (4° C. (on ice), 60° C., 70° C., 80° C. and then on ice) in a PCR-Cycler, each temperature for 45 min. The blocked 384 well plates were washed with PBST, then the pre-incubated Fab lysates, were added to the plates. The plates were then incubated 1 h at RT while shaking. The plates were washed with PBST, the AP-labeled detection antibodies were diluted in 0.5% MPBS. 20 μl/well of the diluted detection antibodies were added and incubated for 1 h at RT while shaking gently. The signal was identified by the following: washing the wells with TBST and adding AttoPhos (1:5 diluted in ddH2O) to all wells. The signal was read at different timepoints (5 min to 10 min) using Tecan (infiniTe F200), program PimeScreen.

The results are shown in FIG. 57.

Example 6.5 Screening ELISA of 400 VH/VL Combinations to Determine the Serum Stability of Fab in E. coli Lysates

Expression plates were generated as in Example 6.3. The Fab containing E. coli lysates were diluted and incubated in bovine and mouse serum using the following steps: E. coli lysates from the expression plates were diluted in 50% serum (total volume of 100 μl, 1:1000 Cam was added to prevent growth of bacteria, and the lysates were split into two 96 well plates and both plates were frozen. The first plate was thawed and incubated at 37° C. for 12-13 days. The second plate was stored at −80° C. until performing the ELISA (0 days incubation at 37° C.). Table 30 shows the unlabeled coating antibodies and AP-labeled detection antibodies which were used.

TABLE 30 MOR Name Label Host Antibody Company Number Concentration Dilution Lot coating Ab 36 Fab Goat anti-Human IgG (H + L) Jackson Immuno 109-006-088 1.3 mg/ml 1:1000 80299 Research detection Ab AP30 AP goat anti-human kappa light chains Sigma A3813 2.3 mg/ml 1:2300 018K6069 detection Ab AP5 AP Goat anti-Human lambda-light chain; Sigma A2904 0.8 mg/ml 1:800 096K6030 bound + free

On day 11 or 12, the 384 wells of a MaxiSorp plate were coated with 20 μl coating antibody diluted in PBS. The plates were incubated over night at 4° C. The following day, the plates were washed with PBST and blocked by adding 5% MPBS to each well and incubating for 1-2 h at RT while shaking. Then the blocked 384 well plates were washed with PBST. E. coli lysates in serum from the −80° C. and 37° C. samples were transferred to the coated ELISA plates and incubated for 1 hour at RT while shaking. The plates were washed with PBST, and the AP-labeled detection antibodies were diluted in 0.5% MPBS. AP-labeled detection antibody was added and the plate was incubated for 1 h at RT while shaking. The signal was identified by the following: washing the wells with TBST and adding AttoPhos (1:5 diluted in ddH2O) to all wells. The signal was read at different timepoints (5 min to 10 min) using Tecan (infiniTe F200), program PrimeScreen.

The results of the bovine serum stability testing are shown in FIG. 58. The results of the mouse serum stability testing are shown in FIG. 59.

Example 7 Generation of IQGs for Evaluation of Biophysical Properties

For generation of the 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs, the 20 variable region heavy chain genes were sub-cloned into the human IgG1 expression vector pJP_hIgG1 shown in FIG. 52. In parallel the 12 variable region kappa genes were sub-cloned into the mammalian kappa light chain expression vector pJP_hIgkappa shown in FIG. 53 and the 8 variable region lambda genes were sub-cloned into the mammalian lambda light chain expression vector pJP_hIglambda shown in FIG. 54.

By co-transfection of each, a heavy chain and a light chain expression plasmid all 400 VH/VL pairs can be produced separately by only cloning 40 expression constructs. Thus, all 20 heavy chain constructs were co-transfected with each of the light chain expression constructs in HEK.EBNA cells. Human IgG1 was harvested or detected several days post transfection from the cell culture supernatants.

Example 7.1 IgG Expression Ranking

One of the criteria for the selection of the VH/VL pairings to be included in a library is the level of expression of the 400 different VH/VL pairings in the IgG format. The expression level of each VH/VL pairing in human IgG1 format was assessed by sandwich ELISA. Therefore all 400 VH/VL combinations in human IgG1 format were transfected into HEK.EBNA cells and expressed in small scale. The cell culture supernatants were harvested after few days and IgG levels assessed.

The following procedure was performed. 384-well MaxiSorp™ plates were coated with Fcγ-pan R10Z8E9 mouse anti-human IgG at 2.5 μg/ml in PBS. The plates were incubated overnight at 4° C. The plates were washed with PBST. The plates were blocked with 5% BSA or 1× Chemiblocker in PBST and incubated for 1 h at room temperature while shaking and again washed with PBST. The IgG expression supernatants were diluted in 2.5% BSA-PBST and the diluted samples were added to the blocked and washed ELISA plate. The following controls were used: empty supernatant and supernatants with a low expressing antibody, moderate expressing antibody and a high expressing antibody. The plates were incubated for 2 h at room temperature while shaking. The plates were then washed with TBST. Appropriately diluted Fcγ-pan R10Z8E9 mouse anti-human IgG Biotin conjugate in 1% BSA-TBST was added. The plates were incubated for 1 h at room temperature. The plates were washed with TBST. Streptavidin-AP diluted 1:2000 in 0.5% BSA-TBST was added and the plates were incubated for 1 h at room temperature while shaking. The plates were washed with TBST. AttoPhos™ fluorescence substrate (prepared according to manufacturer's instructions) diluted in TBST directly before use was added. After 5 and 10 min, the fluorescence was measured via Tecan microplate reader.

Relative IgG1 expression levels were calculated by dividing the ELISA signal of the respective VH/VL pair through the ELISA signal of the reference IgG1 MOR03080 (shown in Table 31). Thereby equally high ELISA signals result in a relative IgG1 expression level of 1.

TABLE 31 The amino acid sequence of MOR03080 is as follows: 03080 Variable heavy chain with CDRs in bold: (1) QVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYGMHWVRQAPGKGL EWVSN (51) IYSDGSNTFY ADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVY YCARNM (101) YRWPFHYFFDYWGQGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 60) 03080 Variable light chain with CDRs in bold (1) DIELTQPPSVSVAPGQTARISCSGDNIGNKYVSWYQQKPGQAPVV VIYGD (51) NNRPSGIPERFSGSNSGNTATLTISGTQAEDEADYYCSSYDSSYF VFGGG (101) TKLTVLGQ (SEQ ID NO: 61)

The results are shown in FIG. 60.

Example 7.2 IgG1 Serum Stability Ranking

One of the criteria for the selection of the variable heavy and variable light chain pairings to be included in a library is the serum stability of the 400 different variable heavy and variable light chain pairings in IgG format. Serum stability of each IgG antibody supernatant was assessed by incubation in 50% mouse serum for 14 days and subsequent sandwich ELISA with mouse anti-human IgG (CH2) clone R10Z8E9. Again all 400 VH/VL combinations in human IgG1 format were transfected into HEK.EBNA cells and expressed in small scale. The cell culture supernatants were harvested after few days and the IgGs in the supernatant tested for serum stability.

The following procedure was performed. 384-well MaxiSorp™ plate were coated with Fcγ-pan R10Z8E9 mouse anti-human IgG at 2.5 μg/ml in PBS. The plates were incubated overnight at 4° C. The plates were washed with PBST and then blocked with 5% BSA-PBST or 1× Chemiblocker for 1 h at room temperature while shaking. The plates were washed with PBST. The IgG1 containing cell culture supernatants were diluted a) in 2.5% BSA-PBST and b) in 50% mouse serum and incubated at 37° C. for at least 14 days and these samples were added to the blocked and washed ELISA plate. The following controls were used: empty supernatant and supernatants a low expressing antibody, a moderate expressing antibody, and a high expressing antibody. The plates were incubated for 2 h at room temperature while shaking. The plates were washed with TBST. Fcγ-pan R10Z8E9 mouse anti-human IgG Biotin conjugate diluted to 0.8 μg/ml in 1% BSA-TBST was added. The plates were incubated for 1 h at room temperature. The plates were washed with TBST. Streptavidin-AP diluted 1:2000 in 0.5% BSA-TBST was added. The plates were incubated for 1 h at room temperature while shaking. The plates were washed with TBST. AttoPhos™ fluorescence substrate (prepared according to manufacturer's instructions) diluted 1:5 in TBST directly before use was added. After 5 and 10 min, the fluorescence was measured via Tecan microplate reader.

The results are shown in FIG. 61.

Example 8 Selection of the VH/VL Pairs with Favorable Bio-Physical Properties for Incorporation into Collection

Once the 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs were tested for the following properties: a) relative display after phage production and phage ELISA in Fab format; b) relative Fab expression levels after Fab production in E. coli, E. coli cell lysis and ELISA detection of produced Fab; c) temperature stability of Fab after Fab production in E. coli, E. coli cell lysis and ELISA detection of non-denatured Fab after incubation at increased temperatures; d) bovine/mouse serum stability of Fab from E. coli lysates by ELISA detection of non-denatured Fab after incubation in bovine/mouse serum; e) relative human IgG1 expression levels after IgG1 production in mammalian cells and ELISA detection of secreted IgG1 from cell culture supernatants; and f) bovine serum stability of human IgG1 by ELISA detection of non-denatured Fab after incubation in bovine/mouse serum; then the next step was to select which VH/VL germline pairs were to be incorporated into the collection.

The results of the functional testing for each VH/VL germline protein pairs are shown in Table 32.

TABLE 32 Compilation of functional data for each of the 400 VH/VL germline gene pairs Relative Fab Relative Fab Fab Fab Fab Relative IgG1 Display Fab thermo- stability in stability in ranking- IgG1 stability in No. VH VL (CysDisplay) expression stability mouse serum bovine serum value expression bovine serum  1 hVH_1_2 hVK_1_05 0.1 0.0 bg U S 10 0.0 bg  2 hVH_1_2 hVK_1_06 0.1 0.2 60 S S 42 0.0 bg  3 hVH_1_2 hVK_1_09 0.0 0.0 bg U S 11 0.0 bg  4 hVH_1_2 hVK_1_12 0.0 0.0 bg S S 20 0.0 bg  5 hVH_1_2 hVK_1_16 0.1 0.0 bg S S 20 0.0 bg  6 hVH_1_2 hVK_1_17 0.0 0.0 bg S S 21 0.0 bg  7 hVH_1_2 hVK_1_27 0.0 0.1 bg S S 22 0.0 bg  8 hVH_1_2 hVK_1_39 0.0 0.0 bg S S 21 0.0 bg  9 hVH_1_2 hVK_2_30 0.0 bg S S 20 0.0 bg  10 hVH_1_2 hVK_3_11 0.0 0.0 bg S S 20 0.0 bg  11 hVH_1_2 hVK_3_15 0.0 0.0 bg U S 10 0.0 bg  12 hVH_1_2 hVK_3_20 0.0 bg S S 21 0.0 bg  13 hVH_1_2 hVL_1-40  0 0.3 bg  14 hVH_1_2 hVL_1-47 0.0 0.0  4 U U  2 0.0 bg  15 hVH_1_2 hVL_1-51 0.0 0.0  4 U U  0 0.4 bg  16 hVH_1_2 hVL_2-11 0.1 0.0  4 S S 22 0.3 bg  17 hVH_1_2 hVL_2-14 0.1 0.0  4 U U  0 0.1 bg  18 hVH_1_2 hVL_2-23 0.0 0.0  4 U U  0 0.0 bg  19 hVH_1_2 hVL_3-1 0.4 0.0  4 U U  1 0.0 bg  20 hVH_1_2 hVL_3-21 0.0 0.0  4 U U  0 0.0 bg   21 hVH _ 1 _ 18 hVK _ 1 _ 05 2.0 0.4 60 S S 54 0.4 S  22 hVH_1_18 hVK_1_06 0.6 0.5 60 S S 56 0.2 S  23 hVH_1_18 hVK_1_09  0 0.1 S  24 hVH_1_18 hVK_1_12 1.6 0.5 60 S S 56 0.1 bg  25 hVH_1_18 hVK_1_16 2.0  3 0.2 S  26 hVH_1_18 hVK_1_17 0.5 S S 38 0.3 S  27 hVH_1_18 hVK_1_27 1.2 0.4 70 S S 62 0.5 S  28 hVH_1_18 hVK_1_39 3.7 0.3 60 S S 53 0.1 S  29 hVH_1_18 hVK_2_30 1.9 0.5 60 S S 56 0.0 S  30 hVH_1_18 hVK_3_11 0.6 60 S S 56 0.0 S  31 hVH_1_18 hVK_3_15 2.6 0.5 70 S S 67 0.3 S  32 hVH_1_18 hVK_3_20 2.2 0.9 60 S S 72 0.0 S  33 hVH_1_18 hVL_1-40 2.4  4 0.5 S  34 hVH_1_18 hVL_1-47 0.8 60 S S 66 0.4 U  35 hVH_1_18 hVL_1-51  0 0.5 S  36 hVH_1_18 hVL_2-11 1.9  3 0.5 U  37 hVH_1_18 hVL_2-14 2.5 0.6 60 S S 64 0.5 U   38 hVH _ 1 _ 18 hVL _ 2-23 4.3 0.7 60 S S 70 0.4 S  39 hVH_1_18 hVL_3-1 4.4 0.6 60 S S 65 0.2 U  40 hVH_1_18 hVL_3-21 3.4 0.6 60 S S 64 0.2 S  41 hVH_1_46 hVK_1_05 0.4 60 S S 51 0.9 S  42 hVH_1_46 hVK_1_06  0 0.9 S   43 hVH _ 1 _ 46 hVK _ 1 _ 09 3.0 0.6 60 S S 63 0.4 S  44 hVH_1_46 hVK_1_12 0.5 60 S S 55 0.2 S  45 hVH_1_46 hVK_1_16 1.3 0.6 60 S S 61 0.3 S  46 hVH_1_46 hVK_1_17 1.3  2 0.5 S  47 hVH_1_46 hVK_1_27  0 0.6 S   48 hVH _ 1 _ 46 hVK _ 1 _ 39 2.5 0.4 60 S S 55 0.5 S  49 hVH_1_46 hVK_2_30 0.2  4 U S 16 0.0 S  50 hVH_1_46 hVK_3_11  0 0.1 S   51 hVH _ 1 _ 46 hVK _ 3 _ 15 3.0 0.7 60 S S 68 0.4 S  52 hVH_1_46 hVK_3_20  0 0.1 S  53 hVH_1_46 hVL_1-40 1.0 60 S S 73 0.9 S  54 hVH_1_46 hVL_1-47  0 0.6 U  55 hVH_1_46 hVL_1-51 5.7 10 0.3 S  56 hVH_1_46 hVL_2-11 1.6  3 0.3 S  57 hVH_1_46 hVL_2-14  0 0.3 U  58 hVH_1_46 hVL_2-23 2.7 1.0 60 S S 79 0.3 S  59 hVH_1_46 hVL_3-1 4.3  7 0.4 S  60 hVH_1_46 hVL_3-21 5.2  9 0.3 S   61 hVH _ 1 _ 69*01 hVK _ 1 _ 05 2.1 0.5 60 S S 59 0.9 S  62 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_1_06 2.9  5 0.5 S  63 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_1_09 0.3 60 S U 37 0.4 S  64 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_1_12 2.1 0.4 60 S S 53 0.3 S  65 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_1_16 1.2  2 0.4 S  66 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_1_17 0.9 0.3  4 S S 31 0.3 S  67 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_1_27 0.2 0.3 70 S S 56 0.4 S  68 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_1_39 3.5 0.1  4 S S 31 0.4 U  69 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_2_30  0 0.0 S  70 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_3_11 0.7 60 S S 60 0.0 S  71 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_3_15 1.6 0.5 70 S S 66 0.5 S  72 hVH_1_69*01 hVK_3_20 0.5 60 S S 54 0.0 S  73 hVH_1_69*01 hVL_1-40 1.0 60 S S 72 0.2 S  74 hVH_1_69*01 hVL_1-47  0 0.2 U  75 hVH_1_69*01 hVL_1-51 0.8 60 S S 64 0.3 S  76 hVH_1_69*01 hVL_2-11 0.8 0.7 60 S S 65 0.2 S  77 hVH_1_69*01 hVL_2-14 0.8 60 S S 64 0.3 U  78 hVH_1_69*01 hVL_2-23 1.8  3 0.3 S  79 hVH_1_69*01 hVL_3-1 3.4 0.7 S S 52 0.2 S  80 hVH_1_69*01 hVL_3-21 4.6 0.7 60 S S 71 0.1 S  81 hVH_3_07 hVK_1_05 0.7 60 S S 63 0.9 U  82 hVH_3_07 hVK_1_06 0.9 60 S S 69 1.3 S   83 hVH _ 3 _ 07 hVK _ 1 _ 09 6.7 0.4 60 S S 50 1.5 S   84 hVH _ 3 _ 07 hVK _ 1 _ 12 10.6   0.9 70 S S 97 0.9 S  85 hVH_3_07 hVK_1_16 7.0 12 1.5 S  86 hVH_3_07 hVK_1_17 10.5  0.5  4 S S 40 0.9 S   87 hVH _ 3 _ 07 hVK _ 1 _ 27 14.5   0.5 70 S S 87 1.8 S  88 hVH_3_07 hVK_1_39 27.3  0.3 60 U S 85 1.2 S  89 hVH_3_07 hVK_2_30 13.0   0 0.3 S  90 hVH_3_07 hVK_3_11  0 0.4 S   91 hVH _ 3 _ 07 hVK _ 3 _ 15 14.5   0.7 70 S S 95 1.8 S  92 hVH_3_07 hVK_3_20  0 0.4 S  93 hVH_3_07 hVL_1-40 8.2 14 0.3 S   94 hVH _ 3 _ 07 hVL _ 1-47 6.3 1.2 60 S S 90 0.8 U  95 hVH_3_07 hVL_1-51 1.0 60 S S 74 0.9 S  96 hVH_3_07 hVL_2-11  0 1.2 S  97 hVH_3_07 hVL_2-14 11.3  19 0.8 U   98 hVH _ 3 _ 07 hVL _ 2-23 6.9 0.8 60 S S 76 0.7 S   99 hVH _ 3 _ 07 hVL _ 3-1 5.0 0.5 60 S S 64 1.2 S 150 hVH_3_21 hVK_3_11  0 0.2 S 151 hVH_3_21 hVK_3_15 0.8 60 S S 65 0.3 S 152 hVH_3_21 hVK_3_20  0 0.5 S 153 hVH_3_21 hVL_1-40 1.0 60 S S 12 0.5 S 154 hVH_3_21 hVL_1-47 0.0 1.2 60 S S 81 0.3 S 155 hVH_3_21 hVL_1-51  0 0.9 S 156 hVH_3_21 hVL_2-11 0.9 60 S S 68 0.7 S 157 hVH _ 3 _ 21 hVL _ 2-14 6.5 0.9 60 S S 81 1.2 S 158 hVH _ 3 _ 21 hVL _ 2-23 8.8 1.0 60 S S 90 0.9 S 159 hVH_3_21 hVL_3-1 0.7 60 S S 60 0.4 S 160 hVH_3_21 hVL_3-21 11.8  0.9 60 S S 88 0.1 S 161 hVH_3_23 hVK_1_05 0.8 60 S S 64 0.2 S 162 hVH_3_23 hVK_1_06 0.7 60 S S 61 0.2 S 163 hVH_3_23 hVK_1_09 6.1 0.8 70 S S 86 0.1 S 164 hVH_3_23 hVK_1_12 0.9 60 S S 68 0.1 S 165 hVH_3_23 hVK_1_16 8.4 0.6 60 S S 72 0.2 S 166 hVH_3_23 hVK_1_17 0.6  4 S U 31 0.1 S 167 hVH_3_23 hVK_1_27 17.1  29 0.2 S 168 hVH_3_23 hVK_1_39 10.8  19 0.3 S 169 hVH_3_23 hVK_2_30 4.1 0.3  4 S S 39 0.0 bg 170 hVH_3_23 hVK_3_11  0 0.0 bg 171 hVH_3_23 hVK_3_15 0.7 70 S S 73 0.4 S 172 hVH_3_23 hVK_3_20 13.3   0 0.2 S 173 hVH_3_23 hVL_1-40  0 0.1 S 174 hVH_3_23 hVL_1-47  0 0.1 S 175 hVH_3_23 hVL_1-51 10.2  1.1 60 S S 94 0.2 S 176 hVH_3_23 hVL_2-11 13.6  23 0.1 S 177 hVH_3_23 hVL_2-14 9.1 16 0.3 S 178 hVH_3_23 hVL_2-23 7.4 0.9 60 S S 82 0.3 S 179 hVH_3_23 hVL_3-1 4.6 0.4 60 S S 60 0.1 S 180 hVH_3_23 hVL_3-21 7.4 0.8 60 S S 78 0.1 S 181 hVH_3_30 hVK_1_05  0 0.7 S 182 hVH_3_30 hVK_1_06 1.0 60 S S 75 0.6 S 183 hVH_3_30 hVK_1_09  0 0.3 S 184 hVH_3_30 hVK_1_12 5.4 0.8 60 S S 73 0.3 S 185 hVH_3_30 hVK_1_16 0.9 60 S S 69 0.4 S 186 hVH_3_30 hVK_1_17  0 0.5 S 187 hVH_3_30 hVK_1_27 9.1 0.4 60 S U 38 0.5 S 188 hVH_3_30 hVK_1_39 13.1  0.0 bg U U 19 1.0 S 189 hVH_3_30 hVK_2_30 0.4  4 S U 23 0.1 bg 190 hVH_3_30 hVK_3_11 0.4 60 S S 50 0.1 S 191 hVH_3_30 hVK_3_15 0.7 60 S S 61 0.9 S 192 hVH_3_30 hVK_3_20 0.7 60 S S 63 0.4 S 193 hVH_3_30 hVL_1-40  0 0.8 S 194 hVH_3_30 hVL_1-47 1.1 60 S S 78 0.3 S 195 hVH_3_30 hVL_1-51  0 0.4 S 196 hVH_3_30 hVL_2-11 0.7 60 S S 62 0.4 S 197 hVH_3_30 hVL_2-14 0.8 60 S S 66 1.0 S 198 hVH _ 3 _ 30 hVL _ 2-23 9.5 1.0 60 S S 89 0.5 S 199 hVH _ 3 _ 30 hVL _ 3-1 8.8 0.6 60 S S 73 0.5 S 200 hVH_3_30 hVL_3-21 16.6  0.8 60 S S 93 0.2 S 201 hVH_3_33 hVK_1_05 0.3 60 S S 46 0.0 S 202 hVH_3_33 hVK_1_06  0 0.6 S 203 hVH_3_33 hVK_1_09 0.7 60 S S 60 0.2 S 204 hVH_3_33 hVK_1_12 0.2 60 S U 34 0.2 S 205 hVH_3_33 hVK_1_16  0 0.4 S 206 hVH_3_33 hVK_1_17  0 0.5 S 207 hVH_3_33 hVK_1_27 0.6 60 S S 57 0.2 S 208 hVH_3_33 hVK_1_39  0 0.8 S 209 hVH_3_33 hVK_2_30  0 0.3 S 210 hVH_3_33 hVK_3_11  0 0.6 S 211 hVH _ 3 _ 33 hVK _ 3 _ 15 12.3   0.6 60 S S 77 0.9 S 212 hVH_3_33 hVK_3_20 1.0 60 S S 72 0.3 S 213 hVH_3_33 hVL_1-40  0 1.0 S 214 hVH_3_33 hVL_1-47 1.1 60 S S 77 0.4 S 215 hVH_3_33 hVL_1-51  0 0.6 S 216 hVH_3_33 hVL_2-11 0.5 60 S S 54 0.5 S 217 hVH_3_33 hVL_2-14 0.9  4 S S 53 0.9 S 218 hVH _ 3 _ 33 hVL _ 2-23 17.1   0.5 60 S S 82 0.5 S 219 hVH_3_33 hVL_3-1 0.2 60 S S 44 0.7 S 220 hVH_3_33 hVL_3-21 0.8 60 S S 67 0.5 S 221 hVH_3_48 hVK_1_05  0 0.6 S 222 hVH_3_48 hVK_1_06  0 0.7 S 223 hVH_3_48 hVK_1_09  0 0.2 S 224 hVH_3_48 hVK_1_12  0 0.3 S 225 hVH_3_48 hVK_1_16 8.7 15 0.5 S 226 hVH_3_48 hVK_1_17  0 0.5 S 227 hVH _ 3 _ 48 hVK _ 1 _ 27 8.9 0.7 60 S S 74 0.9 S 228 hVH_3_48 hVK_1_39  0 0.5 S 229 hVH_3_48 hVK_2_30  0 0.3 S 230 hVH_3_48 hVK_3_11  0 0.7 S 231 hVH_3_48 hVK_3_15 12.1  21 0.3 S 232 hVH_3_48 hVK_3_20 0.8 60 S S 65 0.4 S 233 hVH_3_48 hVL_1-40 0.8 S S 51 0.6 S 234 hVH_3_48 hVL_1-47 10.3  18 0.4 S 235 hVH_3_48 hVL_1-51 1.2 60 S S 80 0.7 S 236 hVH_3_48 hVL_2-11  0 0.6 S 237 hVH_3_48 hVL_2-14  0 0.6 S 238 hVH_3_48 hVL_2-23 9.3 16 0.5 S 239 hVH_3_48 hVL_3-1 6.0 0.8 S S 61 0.5 S 240 hVH_3_48 hVL_3-21  0 0.3 S 241 hVH_3_53 hVK_1_05 11.1  0.7  4 U S 60 0.8 S 242 hVH_3_53 hVK_1_06 0.7 60 S S 63 0.7 S 243 hVH _ 3 _ 53 hVK _ 1 _ 09 8.3 0.9 60 S S 83 0.4 S 244 hVH _ 3 _ 53 hVK _ 1 _ 12 14.8   0.7 60 S S 60 0.2 S 245 hVH_3_53 hVK_1_16 10.7  0.0 bg bg U 20 0.3 S 246 hVH_3_53 hVK_1_17 2.9 0.5  4 S S 42 0.5 S 247 hVH_3_53 hVK_1_27 6.9 0.4 60 S S 62 0.2 S 248 hVH_3_53 hVK_1_39 0.6 60 S S 56 0.2 S 249 hVH_3_53 hVK_2_30 1.3 0.3  4 S S 32 0.0 bg 250 hVH_3_53 hVK_3_11 0.8 60 S S 64 0.3 S 251 hVH_3_53 hVK_3_15 9.6 0.7 60 S S 63 0.5 S 252 hVH_3_53 hVK_3_20 0.3  4 S S 32 0.3 S 253 hVH_3_53 hVL_1-40 1.1  4 S S 60 1.1 S 254 hVH_3_53 hVL_1-47 1.1 60 S S 79 0.2 S 255 hVH _ 3 _ 53 hVL _ 1-51 6.4 1.3 60 S S 96 0.4 S 256 hVH_3_53 hVL_2-11 7.2 0.8 60 S S 78 0.3 S 257 hVH_3_53 hVL_2-14 1.0 60 S S 75 0.8 S 258 hVH _ 3 _ 53 hVL _ 2-23 6.3 1.1 60 S S 86 0.6 S 259 hVH _ 3 _ 53 hVL _ 3-1 5.1 0.6 60 S S 67 0.5 S 260 hVH_3_53 hVL_3-21 0.8 60 S S 66 0.5 S 261 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_05 0.4 0.2 60 S S 45 1.1 S 262 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_06 0.3 0.2 60 S S 45 1.0 S 263 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_09 0.3 0.1 60 S S 39 0.9 S 264 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_12 0.3 0.1 60 S S 38 0.5 S 265 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_16 0.3 0.2 60 S S 44 1.1 S 266 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_17 0.1  0 1.0 S 267 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_27 3.6 0.1  4 S S 24 0.9 S 268 hVH_3_73 hVK_1_39 0.2 0.2  4 S S 27 0.8 S 269 hVH_3_73 hVK_2_30 0.1 bg S S 22 0.3 S 270 hVH_3_73 hVK_3_11 0.5  0 0.2 S 271 hVH_3_73 hVK_3_15 0.2 0.1 60 S S 39 0.1 S 272 hVH_3_73 hVK_3_20  0 1.1 S 273 hVH_3_73 hVL_1-40 0.1 60 S S 40 1.2 S 274 hVH_3_73 hVL_1-47 0.0 0.3  4 S S 31 0.8 S 275 hVH_3_73 hVL_1-51 0.3 0.2 60 S S 44 0.7 S 276 hVH_3_73 hVL_2-11 0.2 0.2  4 S S 26 0.8 S 277 hVH_3_73 hVL_2-14  0 0.4 S 278 hVH_3_73 hVL_2-23 0.8  1 0.1 S 279 hVH_3_73 hVL_3-1 0.0 0.1 60 S S 39 1.0 S 280 hVH_3_73 hVL_3-21 0.4 0.2 60 S S 43 1.1 S 281 hVH_3_74 hVK_1_05 6.4 11 0.6 S 282 hVH _ 3 _ 74 hVK _ 1 _ 06 9.5 0.9 60 S S 86 1.0 S 283 hVH _ 3 _ 74 hVK _ 1 _ 09 8.7 0.6 60 S S 74 0.5 S 284 hVH_3_74 hVK_1_12 8.4 0.6 60 S S 74 0.0 S 285 hVH_3_74 hVK_1_16 8.0 11 0.8 S 286 hVH_3_74 hVK_1_17 0.6 60 S S 58 0.2 S 287 hVH _ 3 _ 74 hVK _ 1 _ 27 5.0 0.6 70 S S 77 1.1 S 288 hVH_3_74 hVK_1_39 8.7 15 0.3 S 289 hVH_3_74 hVK_2_30 0.4 S S 37 0.7 S 290 hVH_3_74 hVK_3_11  0 0.1 S 291 hVH _ 3 _ 74 hVK _ 3 _ 15 10.0   0.8 70 S S 94 1.0 S 292 hVH_3_74 hVK_3_20 0.7 60 S S 62 0.6 S 293 hVH_3_74 hVL_1-40 8.8 0.4  4 S S 51 1.3 S 294 hVH_3_74 hVL_1-47 3.2 1.2 S S 12 0.6 S 295 hVH _ 3 _ 74 hVL _ 1-51 7.1 1.1 60 S S 91 1.2 S 296 hVH_3_74 hVL_2-11 0.6 60 S S 59 0.8 S 297 hVH_3_74 hVL_2-14 4.7  8 0.6 S 298 hVH_3_74 hVL_2-23  0 1.0 S 299 hVH_3_74 hVL_3-1 7.0 0.6 60 S S 70 0.3 S 300 hVH_3_74 hVL_3-21 1.8 0.6 60 S S 60 0.3 S 301 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_1_05 0.8 60 S S 67 0.6 S 302 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_1_06 0.8 60 S S 64 1.1 S 303 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_1_09 4.5 0.1 bg S S 30 0.6 S 304 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_1_12 0.7 60 S S 61 0.8 S 305 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_1_16 3.2 0.2 60 S S 48 0.4 S 306 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_1_17 0.4  4 S S 34 0.8 S 307 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_1_27 0.4 60 S S 48 0.9 S 308 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_1_39 0.2 bg S S 26 1.0 S 309 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_2_30 0.3 0.5  4 S S 38 0.2 U 310 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_3_11 0.6 bg S S 43 0.3 S 311 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_3_15 0.6 60 S S 58 1.1 S 312 hVH_4_04*03 hVK_3_20 1.1 60 S U 65 1.1 S 313 hVH_4_04*03 hVL_1-40 1.0 60 S S 75 0.9 S 314 hVH_4_04*03 hVL_1-47 8.3 14 0.4 S 315 hVH_4_04*03 hVL_1-51 0.9 60 S S 71 0.6 S 316 hVH_4_04*03 hVL_2-11 1.0 60 S S 73 0.7 S 317 hVH_4_04*03 hVL_2-14 0.7 60 S S 63 0.4 S 318 hVH _ 4 _ 04*03 hVL _ 2-23 2.7 1.0 60 S S 77 0.7 S 319 hVH _ 4 _ 04*03 hVL _ 3-1 2.2 0.6 60 S S 63 1.3 S 320 hVH _ 4 _ 04*03 hVL _ 3-21 5.2 0.7 60 S S 69 0.5 S 321 hVH_4_31 hVK_1_05 0.0 bg S S 21 0.0 bg 322 hVH_4_31 hVK_1_06  0 0.2 bg 323 hVH_4_31 hVK_1_09 0.1  4 S S 23 0.6 S 324 hVH_4_31 hVK_1_12 0.1 60 S S 37 0.4 S 325 hVH_4_31 hVK_1_16 0.0 bg S S 20 0.0 bg 326 hVH_4_31 hVK_1_17 0.0 bg U bg  1 0.2 bg 327 hVH_4_31 hVK_1_27 0.0 bg S S 20 0.0 bg 328 hVH_4_31 hVK_1_39 0.8 60 S S 65 0.5 S 329 hVH_4_31 hVK_2_30 0.0 bg S S 20 0.0 bg 330 hVH_4_31 hVK_3_11  0 0.0 bg 331 hVH_4_31 hVK_3_15 0.1 bg S S 24 0.1 S 332 hVH_4_31 hVK_3_20  0 0.4 S 333 hVH_4_31 hVL_1-40 0.0 0.6 60 S S 57 0.8 S 334 hVH_4_31 hVL_1-47 0.0 0.7 60 S S 62 0.1 S 335 hVH_4_31 hVL_1-51 0.9 60 S S 70 0.3 S 336 hVH_4_31 hVL_2-11 0.5 60 S S 55 0.2 S 337 hVH_4_31 hVL_2-14 0.0  0 0.5 S 338 hVH_4_31 hVL_2-23 0.0 60 S S 37 0.3 S 339 hVH_4_31 hVL_3-1 1.4 0.3 60 S S 50 1.3 S 340 hVH_4_31 hVL_3-21 0.4 60 S S 50 0.4 bg 341 hVH_4_39 hVK_1_05 0.0 0.3 60 S S 45 0.3 S 342 hVH_4_39 hVK_1_06 1.6  3 0.8 S 343 hVH_4_39 hVK_1_09 0.5  4 S S 37 0.7 S 344 hVH_4_39 hVK_1_12  0 0.9 S 345 hVH_4_39 hVK_1_16  0 0.5 S 346 hVH_4_39 hVK_1_17 0.7 0.3  4 S S 33 1.0 S 347 hVH_4_39 hVK_1_27  0 0.4 S 348 hVH_4_39 hVK_1_39 2.1 0.3 60 S S 48 1.2 S 349 hVH_4_39 hVK_2_30 0.2  4 S S 27 0.2 S 350 hVH_4_39 hVK_3_11 0.3 60 S S 48 0.2 S 351 hVH_4_39 hVK_3_15 0.6 70 S S 68 1.0 S 352 hVH_4_39 hVK_3_20 0.6 60 S 49 1.2 S 353 hVH_4_39 hVL_1-40 0.6 0.9 70 S S 81 1.1 S 354 hVH_4_39 hVL_1-47 0.7 70 S S 72 0.3 S 355 hVH_4_39 hVL_1-51 0.8 60 S S 65 0.5 S 356 hVH_4_39 hVL_2-11  0 0.3 S 357 hVH _ 4 _ 39 hVL _ 2-14 2.0 0.6 60 S S 63 0.5 S 358 hVH_4_39 hVL_2-23 0.9 0.7 60 S S 62 0.4 S 359 hVH _ 4 _ 39 hVL _ 3-1 3.6 0.5 60 S S 59 0.9 S 360 hVH_4_39 hVL_3-21 0.6 60 S S 57 0.6 S 361 hVH_5_51 hVK_1_05 0.5 60 S S 52 0.4 S 362 hVH_5_51 hVK_1_06 0.5 60 S S 54 0.9 S 363 hVH _ 5 _ 51 hVK _ 1 _ 09 2.6 0.5 60 S S 57 0.5 S 364 hVH_5_51 hVK_1_12 1.8  3 0.8 S 365 hVH_5_51 hVK_1_16 1.3  2 0.5 S 366 hVH_5_51 hVK_1_17 0.3  4 S S 32 0.6 S 367 hVH_5_51 hVK_1_27 0.4 0.2 60 S S 43 1.0 S 368 hVH_5_51 hVK_1_39 3.7 0.3 60 S S 51 1.2 S 369 hVH_5_51 hVK_2_30 0.9 0.2  4 S 19 0.7 S 370 hVH_5_51 hVK_3_11 1.0 60 S 62 0.6 S 371 hVH_5_51 hVK_3_15 1.9  3 1.2 S 372 hVH_5_51 hVK_3_20  0 1.1 S 373 hVH_5_51 hVL_1-40 1.0 60 S S 72 1.3 S 374 hVH_5_51 hVL_1-47 1.0 60 S S 73 0.8 S 375 hVH_5_51 hVL_1-51 1.1 60 S S 77 0.5 S 376 hVH_5_51 hVL_2-11 0.0 0.7 60 S S 63 0.3 S 377 hVH_5_51 hVL_2-14 2.1  4 0.8 S 378 hVH _ 5 _ 51 hVL _ 2-23 3.0 1.0 60 S S 79 0.7 S 379 hVH _ 5 _ 51 hVL _ 3-1 3.8 0.7 60 S S 67 1.3 S 380 hVH_5_51 hVL_3-21  0 0.7 S 381 hVH_6_1 hVK_1_05 0.7 60 S S 62 0.0 S 382 hVH _ 6 _ 1 hVK _ 1 _ 06 3.3 0.6 60 S S 64 1.2 S 383 hVH_6_1 hVK_1_09 5.9 10 1.3 S 384 hVH_6_1 hVK_1_12 1.5 0.0 bg U S 13 1.1 S 385 hVH_6_1 hVK_1_16  0 1.4 S 386 hVH_6_1 hVK_1_17 0.5 60 S S 54 1.3 S 387 hVH_6_1 hVK_1_27 0.5 70 S S 63 1.2 S 388 hVH_6_1 hVK_1_39 0.3 60 S S 45 1.1 S 389 hVH_6_1 hVK_2_30 0.3  4 S S 32 0.3 S 390 hVH_6_1 hVK_3_11  0 0.9 S 391 hVH_6_1 hVK_3_15 0.7 70 S S 70 1.3 S 392 hVH_6_1 hVK_3_20 0.9 60 S S 70 1.3 S 393 hVH_6_1 hVL_1-40 7.2 12 1.4 S 394 hVH_6_1 hVL_1-47 1.1 60 S S 75 0.2 S 395 hVH_6_1 hVL_1-51 1.1 60 S S 75 0.5 S 396 hVH_6_1 hVL_2-11 1.0 1.0 60 S S 73 0.2 S 397 hVH_6_1 hVL_2-14  0 0.4 S 398 hVH _ 6 _ 1 hVL _ 2-23 2.1 0.8 60 S S 69 0.4 S 399 hVH_6_1 hVL_3-1 0.5 60 S S 55 1.4 S 400 hVH_6_1 hVL_3-21 0.4 0.8 60 S S 66 0.5 S

As described in the previous examples, the predominant VH and VL germline genes and the predominant VH/VL germline gene pairs were identified from the human immune repertoire and naïve human immune repertoire, then the predominant VH and VL germline protein sequences were analysed in silico in order to select identify variable heavy chain and variable light chain germline protein sequences having favorable biophysical properties. As shown in Tables 21, and FIGS. 37-38, generally, the top 20VH, top 8Vλ and top 12 Vκ were selected for synthesis, combination and subsequent functional analysis. The germline gene sequences were synthesized and then combined in order to generate a 400 germline protein pairs that are representative of the abundant germline gene pairs found in the immune repertoire, wherein each of the variable regions has favorable biophysical properties as identified in silico. The 400 VH/VL germline protein pairs were tested for the following properties: a) relative display after phage production and phage ELISA in Fab format; b) relative Fab expression levels after Fab production in E. coli, E. coli cell lysis and ELISA detection of produced Fab; c) temperature stability of Fab after Fab production in E. coli, E. coli cell lysis and ELISA detection of non-denatured Fab after incubation at increased temperatures; d) bovine/mouse serum stability of Fab from E. coli lysates by ELISA detection of non-denatured Fab after incubation in bovine/mouse serum; e) relative human IgG1 expression levels after IgG1 production in mammalian cells and ELISA detection of secreted IgG1 from cell culture supernatants; and f) bovine serum stability of human IgG1 by ELISA detection of non-denatured Fab after incubation in bovine/mouse serum.

Using the data provided in Table 32, one of skill in the art could readily identify the germline protein pairs having favorable biophysical properties.

Generally, the germline protein pairs having a threshold value in each functional property were selected for incorporation in the collections. For example, in some embodiments, the germline protein pairs comprising all of the following properties were selected for incorporation into a collection: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH1-69 VLA_VI1-40 AYA; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080; and vi) stability in serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C. Table 32 shows in bold and underline the germline protein pairs comprising all of these functional properties.

As described above, however, germline protein pairs having one or more of the functional properties may be selected for incorporation into collections. Here, an aggregate ranking of the 400 germline protein pairs tested was created, so that each germline protein pair could be ranked against the other giving weight to each of the functional properties tested. This allowed the inventors to select one or more germline protein pairs having one or more or all of the listed functional properties. In some embodiments, the collections comprise all of the germline protein pairs having the above characteristics. In some embodiments, the collection comprises the germline protein pairs having the highest aggregate score of the 400 pairs tested. In some embodiments, the germline protein pairs having aggregate scores within the top 10%, top 20%, or top 30% of the 400 pairs tested were selected for incorporation into collections.

It is to be understood that the description, specific examples and data, while indicating exemplary embodiments, are given by way of illustration and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various changes and modifications within the present invention will become apparent to the skilled artisan from the discussion, disclosure and data contained herein, and thus are considered part of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. A method of identifying an antibody or antibody fragment thereof specific for an immunogen comprising a) generating a collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprising variable heavy chain and variable light chain framework regions, wherein said variable heavy chain framework regions and variable light chain framework regions comprise germline protein sequences of a germline protein pair, wherein said germline protein pair comprises the following properties: i) a relative display rate in Fab format comprising a value within the top 75% of Fabs sampled; ii) an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.4 as compared to Fab VH 1-69 VLA_V11-40 AYA, the sequences of which are depicted in Table 5, Table 9, FIG. 45A and FIG. 47A; iii) thermal stability at 60° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format; iv) stability in bovine or mouse serum in Fab format for greater than ten days at 37° C.; v) an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.4 as compared to MOR03080, the CDR sequences of which are depicted in Table 31; and vi) stability in bovine serum in IgG format for fourteen days at 37° C.; wherein said collection of antibodies or functional fragments thereof comprises germline protein sequences of at least two different germline protein pairs, wherein the germline protein pairs are selected from IGHV1-18 (SEQ ID NO: 65)/IGKV1-05 (SEQ ID NO: 118); IGHV1-18 (SEQ ID NO: 65)/IGLV2-23 (SEQ ID NO: 174); IGHV1-46 (SEQ ID NO: 68)/IGKV1-09 (SEQ ID NO: 121); IGHV1-46 (SEQ ID NO:68)/IGKV1-39 (SEQ ID NO: 129); IGHV1-46 (SEQ ID NO: 68)1IGKV3-15 (SEQ ID NO:153); IGHV1-69*01 (SEQ ID NO: 70)/IGKV1-05 (SEQ ID NO: 118); IGHV3-07 (SEQ ID NO: 77)/IGKV1-09 (SEQ ID NO: 121); IGHV3-07 (SEQ ID NO: 77)/IGKV1-(SEQ ID NO: 122); IGHV3-07 (SEQ ID NO: 77)/IGKV1-(SEQ ID NO: 126); IGHV3-07 (SEQ ID NO: 77)1IGKV3-(SEQ ID NO: 153); IGHV3-07 (SEQ ID NO: 77)/IGLV1-(SEQ ID NO: 167); IGHV3-07 (SEQ ID NO: 77)/IGLV2-(SEQ ID NO: 174); IGHV3-07 (SEQ ID NO: 77)/IGLV3-(SEQ ID NO: 175); IGHV3-11 (SEQ ID NO: 79)/IGKV1-(SEQ ID NO: 118); IGHV3-11 (SEQ ID NO: 79)/IGKV1-(SEQ ID NO: 119); IGHV3-11 (SEQ ID NO: 79)/IGKV1-(SEQ ID NO: 122); IGHV3-11 (SEQ ID NO: 79)/IGKV1-(SEQ ID NO: 124); IGHV3-11 (SEQ ID NO: 79)/IGKV3-(SEQ ID NO: 153); IGHV3-11 (SEQ ID NO: 79)/IGLV1-47 (SEQ ID NO: 167); IGHV3-11 (SEQ ID NO: 79)/IGLV2-23 (SEQ ID NO: 174); IGHV3-15 (SEQ ID NO: 81)/IGKV1-05 (SEQ ID NO: 118); IGHV3-15 (SEQ ID NO: 81)/IGKV1-06 (SEQ ID NO: 119); IGHV3-15 (SEQ ID NO: 81)/IGKV1-09 (SEQ ID NO: 121); IGHV3-15 (SEQ ID NO: 81)/IGKV1-12 (SEQ ID NO: 122); IGHV3-15 (SEQ ID NO: 81)/IGKV1-16 (SEQ ID NO: 124); IGHV3-15 (SEQ ID NO: 81)/IGKV1-27 (SEQ ID NO: 126); IGHV3-15 (SEQ ID NO: 81)/IGKV1-39 (SEQ ID NO: 129); IGHV3-15 (SEQ ID NO: 81)/IGKV3-15 (SEQ ID NO: 153); IGHV3-15 (SEQ ID NO: 81)/IGLV1-40 (SEQ ID NO: 165); IGHV3-15 (SEQ ID NO: 81)/IGLV1-51 (SEQ ID NO: 169); IGHV3-15 (SEQ ID NO: 81)/IGLV2-11 (SEQ ID NO: 171); IGHV3-21 (SEQ ID NO: 84)/IGKV1-06 (SEQ ID NO: 119); IGHV3-21 (SEQ ID NO: 84)/IGKV 1-12 (SEQ ID NO: 122); IGHV3-21 (SEQ ID NO: 84)/IGKV 1-27 (SEQ ID NO: 126); IGHV3-21 (SEQ ID NO: 84)/IGKV 1-39 (SEQ ID NO: 129); IGHV3-21 (SEQ ID NO: 84)/IGLV2-14 (SEQ ID NO: 172); IGHV3-21 (SEQ ID NO: 84)/IGLV2-23 (SEQ ID NO: 174); IGHV3-30 (SEQ ID NO: 86)/IGLV2-23 (SEQ ID NO: 174); IGHV3-30 (SEQ ID NO: 86)/IGLV3-1 (SEQ ID NO: 175); IGHV3-33 (SEQ ID NO: 89)/IGKV3-15 (SEQ ID NO: 153); IGHV3-33 (SEQ ID NO: 89)/IGLV2-23 (SEQ ID NO: 174); IGHV3-48 (SEQ ID NO: 93)/IGKV 1-27 (SEQ ID NO: 126); IGHV3-53 (SEQ ID NO: 95)/IGKV1-09 (SEQ ID NO: 121); IGHV3-53 (SEQ ID NO: 95)/IGKV1-12 (SEQ ID NO: 122); IGHV3-53 (SEQ ID NO: 95)/IGLV1-51 (SEQ ID NO: 169); IGHV3-53 (SEQ ID NO: 95)/IGLV2-23 (SEQ ID NO: 174); IGHV3-53 (SEQ ID NO: 95)/IGLV3-1 (SEQ ID NO: 175); IGHV3-74 (SEQ ID NO: 100)/IGKV1-06 (SEQ ID NO: 119); IGHV3-74 (SEQ ID NO: 100)/IGKV1-09 (SEQ ID NO: 121); IGHV3-74 (SEQ ID NO: 100)/IGKV1-27 (SEQ ID NO: 126); IGHV3-74 (SEO ID NO: 100)/IGKV3-15(SEQ ID NO: 153); IGHV3-74 (SEQ ID NO: 100)/IGLV1-51 (SEQ ID NO: 169); IGHV4-04 (SEQ ID NO: 102)/IGLV2-23 (SEQ ID NO: 174); IGHV4-04 (SEQ ID NO: 102)/IGLV3-1 (SEQ ID NO: 175); IGHV4-04 (SEQ ID NO: 102)/IGLV3-21 (SEQ ID NO: 182); IGHV4-39 (SEQ ID NO: 109)/IGLV2-14 (SEQ ID NO: 172); IGHV4-39 (SEQ ID NO: 109)/IGLV3-1 (SEQ ID NO: 175); IGHV5-51 (SEQ ID NO:113)/IGKV1-09 (SEQ ID NO: 121); IGHV5-51 (SEQ ID NO: 113)/IGLV2-23 (SEQ ID NO: 174); IGHV5-51 (SEQ ID NO: 113)/IGLV3-1 (SEQ ID NO: 175); IGHV6-1 (SEQ ID NO:115)/IGKV1-06 (SEQ ID NO: 119); and IGHV6-1 (SEQ ID NO: 115)/IGLV2-23 (SEQ ID NO: 174), b) screening the collection against a specific immunogen; and c) selecting one or more antibodies or fragments thereof specific for said immunogen.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said antibodies or fragments thereof comprise human sequences.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said antibodies or fragments thereof comprises germline protein sequences of at least eight different germline protein pairs.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said antibodies or fragments thereof comprise one or more complementarity determining regions comprising germline protein sequences.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said antibodies or fragments thereof comprise FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, and FR3 comprising germline protein sequences.
 6. The method according to claim 1, where said antibodies or fragments thereof comprise a FR4 region selected from the group consisting of: JH4, JK1, and JA2/3.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the antibodies or fragments thereof comprise a diversified HCDR3 region.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the antibodies or fragments thereof comprise a diversified LCDR3 region.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the collection comprises 1×10⁴ antibodies or functional fragments thereof.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein said germline protein pairs comprise a relative display in Fab format comprising a value within the top 60% of Fabs sampled.
 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein said germline protein pairs comprise an expression level in Fab format of at least 0.6 as compared to Fab VH 1-69 VLA_V11-40 AYA.
 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein said germline protein pairs comprise thermal stability at 70° C. or more for at least 45 minutes in Fab format.
 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein said germline protein pairs comprise an expression level in IgG format of at least 0.6 as compared to MOR03080.
 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein said functional fragments of said antibodies are selected from the group consisting of Fab, F(ab′)2, Fab′, Fv, and scFv. 